Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
322. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if she will address concerns around the increasing rate of resignations within An Garda Síochána, to the extent that this will impact on the capacity of the State to provide safe and effective policing for all communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49420/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). This includes all operational policing matters and, as Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I can assure the Deputy, however, that I and the Government are absolutely committed to doing everything we can to strengthen An Garda Síochána and to keep people safe. Our commitment is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of €2.31 billion in Budget 2024, an increase of 23% since 2020, to An Garda Síochána. In 2024 this will provide for:
- 800 – 1,000 recruits to enter the Garda College
- 25% increase in the overtime budget for An Garda Síochána – to €131 million from €105 million - for high visibility policing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour
- supporting Garda recruitment with 66% increase in training allowance which rises to €305 per week
In relation to resignations, it is important to note that of almost 14,000 Gardaí, just over 100 resigned last year – this represents less than 1% of total Garda members. As of the end of September 2023, a further 114 Garda members have resigned, which again is under 1% of the Garda strength. Any increase in the number of resignations should be viewed in this context. It should also be viewed in the context of a highly competitive jobs market.
The number of resignations and retirements in 2022 represents an attrition rate of 3%. This is significantly lower than the turnover rate for Irish private sector organisations, which IBEC identified as 9% in 2020.
It is acknowledged that being a member of An Garda Síochána can be a difficult job. I am working with the Commissioner to address the issues which are being brought to my attention. This has included the allocation of €6 million which is being provided by the Government for Garda wellbeing initiatives, additional medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.
The attrition rate within AGS should also be viewed against a number of police services in other jurisdictions who have higher rates, including the UK that had a reported attrition rate of almost 6% in 2022.
Police services in the US, New Zealand, and Canada have all also reported an increase in resignations in excess of the Garda Síochána resignation rate.
We are seeing people leave the organisation earlier than was the case previously. But, people are joining the organisation later in life too, with a range of different life experiences to contribute, and I am pleased to be able to make a change to accommodate that in the next recruitment competition.
I am increasing the recruitment age from 35 to 50 to help to broaden and diversify the pool of available candidates.
