Vol. 370 No. 9
asked the Minister for Justice the number of recruits in the Garda Síochána who have not been retained after their probationary periods for each of the last four years; the length of time in each case such trainee had served; whether or not it was reasonably obvious after a short number of months whether a garda was likely to be satisfactory or not; and the reason so many gardaí appear to have lengths of service for almost two years before their services were finally dispensed with.
194.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement with regard to the manner in which Garda Síochána on probation are dealt with on the termination of their probation period; if he is aware of the format of the unsigned, two paragraph, formal communication which is handed to such gardaí on the expiry of what can be virtually two years of service and which includes a form of words dispensing with the individual's service without explanation, appreciation or any form of courtesy or helpful comment, and if he will ensure that such recruits are treated with at least a degree of civility and respect which is normal in other areas of employment.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together.
The number of recruit gardaí whose services were dispensed with by the Commissioner during each of the last four years and their periods of service are given in the table below.
|
Year |
No. of Recruit Gardaí |
Period of Service |
|
1983 |
4 |
5months |
|
12½ months |
||
|
16½ months |
||
|
5months |
||
|
1984 |
6 |
15months |
|
22months |
||
|
21months |
||
|
16½ months |
||
|
5½ months |
||
|
24months |
||
|
1985 |
2 |
23months |
|
17½ months |
||
|
1986 |
2 |
24months |
|
24months |
Note:
These figures do not include a total of 15 recruit gardai who resigned during the period, on being informed that their conduct or performance did not reach the required standard.
The Garda Síochána (Appointments) Regulations, 1945, provide that the Commissioner may at any time dispense with the services of any member of the Force who is on probation, if the Commissioner considers that the member is not fitted, physically or mentally, to perform his duties or is not likely to become an efficient and well-conducted Garda.
The decision to dispense with the services of a recruit Garda is one for the Commissioner and I am not, therefore, in a position to say whether in certain cases the unsuitability of the recruit was recognisable at an earlier stage. I am informed by the Garda authorities that a decision to dispense with the services of a recruit is taken by the Commissioner following detailed consideration of the comprehensive reports and assessments furnished by the recruits' superior officers, during his or her training and probation periods. I am also informed that in all cases in which the Commissioner decides to dispense with the services of a recruit, a formal order or notice under the Appointments Regulations is signed by the Commissioner. The original order is shown to the recruit and he or she receives a copy of the order when being informed of the Commissioner's decision. The format of that document has been approved by the law officers.
I am informed that it is the Commissioner's policy that recruits who may be showing signs of unsuitability should be advised of the position as early as possible with a view to securing an improvement where this is possible and, secondly, that if it is apparent that a recruit should not be retained his services should be dispensed with without avoidable delay, in his interests as well as in the interests of the Force.
