Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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268. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if counselling is offered to gardaí following critical or traumatic incidents; the number of gardaí who availed of such counselling in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48076/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing An Garda Síochána including the provision of employee welfare supports.

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. There are a variety of supports in place for Garda members including the Garda Employee Assistance Service, a Peer Support Programme and an independent helpline and counselling service which is available to all Garda members and staff

The helpline and counselling service is available for both work and personal difficulties. The service is not mandatory and operates on the basis of self-referral. Garda members and staff may avail of six free sessions of counselling per year and an additional two will be provided if clinically approved. All appointments and consultations are arranged directly between the service provider and the staff member.

I have set out in the table, for the Deputy's information, details on the uptake of the helpline and counselling service since its launch on 24 June 2016.