James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I am on my feet discussing this issue, it is important also to discuss morale within An Garda Síochána. I speak to many people around my own age - I am 27 years of age - who have come through the Garda training college and are going into the force. Another issue that is important in rural Ireland is garda transfers. Many members of An Garda Síochána come to me confidentially to try to get some advice and help. They feel that is the wrong thing to do, that it is a mistake and an error. There is a culture of fear among more junior members of An Garda Síochána when it comes to trying to get these issues addressed.

I accept that it is a 26-county force, but it is taking too long for An Garda Síochána to process transfers, particularly when gardaí want to return, not to their own home, but to regions that are adjacent to their own administrative areas within the force. This could really help boost retention in An Garda Síochána. It is no secret that this is potentially at crisis point, given the situation going on with investigations into the work that gardaí do. It needs to be addressed by the Minister.

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