Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1002. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the mental health and well-being supports that are currently in place for members of GSOC; how long they are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17738/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is the independent body established by law to investigate complaints against members of An Garda Síochána. GSOC is completely independent in the exercise of its functions, and as Minister I have no role in any of GSOC's operations, including all HR matters.

I am advised by GSOC that as civil servants, GSOC staff have ongoing support from HR and line management in line with established policies and a monthly health and wellbeing webinar series which is run by one-learning.

GSOC staff can also avail of the services offered by the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service which provide a wide range of free and confidential supports designed to assist employees in managing work and life challenges. These services include one to one confidential support for employees, assistance and response to critical incidents in the workplaces and support in managing the individual health and well-being of employees.

In terms of supports specific to GSOC, in 2022 staff were provided with a talk from a Clinical Psychologist on responding to mental health-related issues and abusive behaviours in the course of work.  Additionally, a course in critical incidence stress management was provided to staff in 2022.  I am informed by GSOC that it is intended to offer these sessions to staff again in 2023.