Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

275. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average duration of suspension for members of An Garda Síochána. [25016/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business by law. This includes Garda discipline. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions, including decisions related to the suspension or dismissal of Garda members.

The length of time a member is suspended may be dependent on criminal cases and/or a member choosing to exercise their right to judicially review the process. These factors can result in a protracted suspension period. The suspension of each member is reviewed on a quarterly basis by senior Garda Management.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the average duration of suspension for members of An Garda Síochána is 772 days.

Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

276. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the most common reason for which members of An Garda Síochána are suspended from duty. [25017/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and I will contact him when this is to hand.

Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

277. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the psychological evaluation that is carried out on a person entering An Garda Síochána. [25018/25]

Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

278. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the psychological evaluation that is carried out on a member of An Garda Síochána prior to firearms training. [25019/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 278 together.

An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. publicjobs (the Public Appointments Service), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda trainees.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as part of the pre-entry requirements to An Garda Síochána, applicants must be certified to be in good health, of sound constitution and suited physically and mentally to performing the duties of a member of An Garda Síochána. Accordingly, applicants to An Garda Síochána are required to declare any existing medical, mental health or psychological diagnosis/history at the time of the mandatory pre-employment medical assessment stage of the pre-entry process.

The pre-employment medical assessment file is reviewed by the Garda Occupational Health Physician (OHP) and where a mental health or a psychological diagnosis is disclosed or concerns present, up to date medical reports are requested from the applicant’s treating specialist/clinical professionals.

These reports are reviewed by the OHP and where deemed appropriate the applicant may be referred for an Independent Medical assessment by a relevant mental health specialist by the Garda Occupational Health Service. Following this assessment, the Independent Medical Adviser provides a detailed report which is reviewed by the OHP and a final decision is made in relation to the applicant’s medical fitness to proceed in the selection process from a mental health or psychological perspective.

I am further informed that, prior to firearms training, Garda members must self-declare that they do not have a psychiatric condition, a history of alcohol or drugs dependency or any problems with memory or period of confusion among other medical conditions or have any other medical condition.

In addition, Garda members must provide a declaration or letter from their GP whether there have or there have not been any new medical developments for which the member had been placed on treatment, or were under the regular care/follow-up by a regular treating clinical professional including the GP since the members’ last medical screening at the Garda Occupational Health Service.