Leaders Questions
Recruitment
Minister, as you are aware the membership of An Garda Síochána is at its lowest level in modern
times. This is due to a wave of retirements following a change in the treatment of taxation on
pensions. This was compounded by the cessation of recruitment.
How does the Minister for Justice propose to achieve your objective of keeping pace with
retirements while restoring Garda numbers to 14,500?
How does the Minister intend to accelerate recruitment? How many recruits will enter
Templemore this September?
Has the minister secured funding to underpin recruitment?
I know of 2 Tipperary Garda who recently retired both at the age of 53. Both of whom completed
a 30 year service. This is an example of trained, qualified, experienced members allowed to retire.
Would you consider giving members such as these access to their gratuity entitlement as an
incentive to remain serving in the force?
Has any consideration been given to the idea of harnessing the skills and expertise of the
numerous Gardaí of every rank who have retired in recent years?
What progress is being made in the plans to refurbish, extend and maximise the current capacity
of Templemore Garda Training College?
Are there any definite long term plan to address the future capacity and training facilities at
Templemore and also in relation to the lands in possession of the Department at Clonmore.
Transfers
In recent years a clamp has been imposed on legitimate transfer requests due to the reduction of
Garda numbers.
Many members have failed to get a positive response for a transfer despite the fact that they
have compelling substantiated grounds for such a move.
There are 430 members of the Garda Representative Association awaiting a transfer to another
station for over two years. In addition to this log jam, there is no transparency in how transfer
rules are applied. The system is too ridged and unresponsive. Transfer decisions need to be open
and transparent.
I would ask the Minister to commit to replace the current structure with a new fair and equal
transfer system for all members.
Accommodation
Minister you are very much aware like all of us that the current crisis in housing. Many Garda
members are caught in this housing trap. The Department of Justice and the Office of Public
Works could make a contribution in addressing this issue by restoring the many vacant houses in
the possession of your Department. In my own county of Tipperary there are numerous neglected
vacant housing properties in need of restoration or refurbishment. For example such properties
exist in Templemore, Cashel, Emly and Mullinahone. It is unacceptable indeed outrageous to see
these houses in prime locations left to rot, while many young Garda members clamour in vain for
housing opportunities.
The Department of Justice should as a matter of priority allocate funds to bring these properties
back into the housing stock.
In conclusion Minister could I ask you what the Governments position is in relation to the Garda
Representative Association. Today is the deadline. We have been met at the gates of the
Oireachtas by members of the Garda Representative Association.
Do you attend to recommence negotiations?
Does this Government intend to reopen negotiations to address the outstanding issues?
It is accepted that the numbers and strength of the force is crucial but is also very important to
have existing members of the force motivated and fully committed. To be a member of An Garda
Síochana is a very onerous and responsible task. It has its dangers and risks. The pay terms and
conditions of Gardaí have been greatly diminished. Many Gardaí are under financial pressure and
struggling to survive. They feel vulnerable because of financial insecurity. This worry and anxiety is
a huge distraction and impacts on productivity.
If you are not happy in your job it has consequences for your energy enthusiasm and output.
Many members are now demoralised and as a result are less then effective. The State needs to
adequately remunerate Gardaí and allow them to concentrate and focus on their job. The difficult
role of a Garda should be acknowledged in practical terms. Their service to society should be
properly valued and appreciated. I would urge the Minister to resolve outstanding issues in
respect of pay and conditions for members of the force. I would in particular ask the Minister to
review the pay of new recruits.
How can we expect young and enthusiastic recruits to survive on
€23,000 per year. For instance a new recruit from Tipperary could be posted in any Garda Station
in Ireland from Cork to Donegal without any rental or subsidence allowance.
This level of salary is derisory. It is unfair and unjust and should be remedied.