Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

57. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps his Department is taking to address the retention crisis in An Garda Síochána.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17713/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is operationally responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána including HR matters.

However, I can assure the Deputy that Government is committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources they need to perform their vital role in the community.

It is important to emphasise that, of the over 14,000 sworn members currently working in the Garda organisation, just over 100 resigned last year – this represents less than 1% of total Garda members. Any increase in the number of resignations should be viewed in this context.

I was pleased to note the Garda Síochána Culture Audit 2022 found that job satisfaction was high among Garda personnel. The independently conducted survey reflected that Garda members are proud of An Garda Síochána are motivated to serve communities and protect people from harm.

The Commissioner has acknowledged however that, while there are many positives within the service, it is clear that the organisation has more work to do to give its people the support and tools they need to do their jobs efficiently and effectively, to ensure people feel they are treated fairly, and they are being supported in their very challenging and pressurised work.

I understand that a number of initiatives to improve morale in the work place have been put in place in recent years along with a suite of measures to support the mental health needs of the employees.

These include the Employee Assistance Service (available to all Garda members, staff, retired members and their families); a 24/7/365 telephone helpline and counselling service provided by Inspire Wellbeing; and a Peer Support Network.