Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt in my mind that while the numbers are low statistically, they have increased. I know the Minister accepts and understands that. We have an issue with morale. It is very clear that we have an issue in respect of many of our men and women in uniform across all branches of the Defence Forces, including An Garda Síochána. It is undoubtedly going to be an ongoing challenge. The recruitment of more personnel is part of the solution but we also have an issue when it comes to the communication between rank-and-file gardaí and the hierarchy within An Garda Síochána. That is leading to these issues. It is not only the economic issues that members are feeling because of the education they have, which, as the Minister rightly pointed out, is extremely high. They are in great demand, particularly when the economy is so buoyant. There has to be a recognition within An Garda Síochána, particularly within the Commissioner's office, as regards this communication methodology that he and others are perhaps using. There needs to be a conversation about that because we are seeing more individuals resigning than we should.

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