Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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189. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the support services in place to provide assistance to members of An Garda Síochána suffering from stress as a result of their employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10945/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána is committed to ensuring that members exposed to workplace stress receive the appropriate organisational response and in that regard there are a variety of supports in place for Garda members.

The Garda Employee Assistance Service is available to members of An Garda Síochána and supports them in managing and resolving personal and work-related difficulties. All employee assistance officers, and in the region of 250 of the peer supporters, are trained in critical incident stress management which is an intervention designed to prevent or mitigate psychological reactions to a critical incident. This intervention is delivered with the support of a mental health professional when required. Where necessary the services of the Occupational Health Department, headed by the Chief Medical Officer of An Garda Síochána, are made available to assist Garda personnel deal with stressful and extremely difficult situations in the workplace. This Service is staffed by a team of specialist occupational healthcare professionals supported by an administration team. The Service is dedicated to supporting the employees of An Garda Síochána to maintain their health and well-being in order to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

Since June 2016, a 24/7, 365 day Independent Helpline and Counselling Service is available to all staff within An Garda Síochána. This service is available for both work and personal difficulties. The service is not mandatory and is self-referral. Each member of the organisation may avail of six free sessions of counselling per year and an additional two will be provided if clinically approved. All appointments and consultants are arranged directly between the Service Provider and the staff member.

Since 1994 a Peer Supporter Programme has been in operation within An Garda Síochána to help Gardaí cope with the effect of a traumatic incident in the workplace. I understand that the programme has been found to be very helpful in assisting Garda members in the aftermath of a traumatic incident. The programme is delivered by over 850 Garda who are trained as peer supporters and are available in all Garda Districts to assist colleagues in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic incident. Following a traumatic incident, a peer supporter will contact the members concerned and offer support. In the event that the peer supporter deems it appropriate, they may refer the member to the Garda Employee Assistance Service.