Lowry calls for review of all Garda operations in early 2023

Deputy Michael Lowry has called for a full Review of all Garda Operations in early 2023. He made the call having outlined the growing level of discontent within the Garda Force during Leaders Questions in the Dail on Thursday.

Referring to the fact that the Gardai, who celebrate their Centenary this year, have served the country with distinction and pride throughout these years, Deputy Lowry told the Tanaiste, Leo Varadkar, that we owe them a sincere debt of gratitude for their outstanding commitment and dedication.

‘Concerns are mounting about the increasing numbers of Gardai that have quitthe force. Worryingly, these figures include some who are leaving before they have even completed their Probationary period. When resignations are added to retirements, we have 400 fewer Gardai now than at this time last year’ stated Deputy Lowry.

‘At the other end of the scale, the scant number choosing the Gardai as a career is a grave concern. Government set a target for 800 new trainees for 2022. Currently, there are just 96 Recruits in Templemore Training College. Increased resignations and a significant lack of trainees screams of problems within the Garda force.

‘Decisions by Garda Management to amalgamate large districts across the country are now proving impossible to effectively patrol. As a result, people in towns and villages in Tipperary and across the country are left feeling vulnerable. People are growing increasingly afraid for their security and safety. Fear like this cannot be ignored.

‘We need a greater Garda presence in our communities. We need to return to old-style visibility. Confidence and respect for Garda authority has faded. It is imperative that we take initiatives to revive it’ said Deputy Lowry.

Referring to the ongoing dispute over rostering, Deputy Lowry said that this is damaging morale. ‘There is growing discontent amongst members . They are united in their view that it is more efficient and effective to continue working their current 12-hour shift on a four-days- on/four-days-off roster. To date their voices and concerns have gone unheard.

The Tipperary Deputy also raised the matter of the increased need for Mental Health and psychological support amongst members of the Garda Force He said that, arising from a trend towards violent disorder and aggression the need for Mental Health and psychological support amongst members of the Garda Force is a growing concern.

‘Up to the end of October of this year, €780,000 was spent on providing such support to members. This figure had exceeded the entire amount spent in 2021. 480 members were referred for psychiatric or psychological assessment, or for some form of mental health care in 2021.

‘Overall, almost €2.3 million has been required to provide psychological support to members of the Gardai and staff who have dealt with traumas of some kind since 2020.

‘The costs of providing psychological support this year has reached it’s highest ever level.

‘Increased resignations, chronically low intake numbers, dissatisfied members who feel unheard, and a growing need for mental support all point to a significant problem.

‘The growing frustrations of Gardai and the escalating fears of the public are not something that can be put on the proverbial long finger.

‘Tanaiste, a full review of all Garda operations must be a priority for the incoming reconfigured Government and must be high on the Government Agenda in early 2023,’he said.

The Tanaiste responded by saying that Government is currently in the process of establishing a new Office of the Police Ombudsman, that will complete investigations into complaints in a more timely manner. He also said that a pay increase has been negotiated, which is kicking in at the moment, and that this was accepted by a very large majority.

The Tanaiste blamed Covid for interrupting recruitment and training for Gardai, adding that Government is committed to the delivery of the necessary resources to bring the number of Gardai to 15,000 and beyond.

‘Budget 2023 provides for 200 to enter the Garda College every three months’ he said.

He concluded that, in a move to address violence against Gardai, one of the things that Government wants to progress very soon is the use of worn body cameras, which he said Gardai are in favour of having. The introduction of these will require legislation.'

'Also, Garda Management has introduced measures in recent times to support members, including a new Employee Assistance Service, which is open to all Gardai and all retired Gardai and their families. There is a 24/7 Telephone Helpline, a Counselling Service and a Peer Network Service’ he concluded.