Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017
444. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a report on the employee assistance programme in An Garda Síochána; if all employees now have access to 24-7 employee counselling; and the numbers that have availed of it to date in 2017. [34797/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána.
I am advised by the Commissioner that the Garda Employee Assistance Service is available to members of An Garda Síochána and supports them in managing and resolving personal and work-related difficulties. I am further advised that an independent confidential counselling service was introduced in June 2016. This service provides all employees with immediate support from accredited counsellors, over the phone and then, if needed, up to eight face-to-face counselling sessions. These sessions take place in a location within one hour of the employee’s home or place of work. Counselling is provided on a wide range of work and personal related issues including critical incidents, trauma, financial, relationships, bereavement, stress, conflict, and health. The service is available on a 24 hour basis, every day of the year.
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner in relation to the numbers that have availed of the counselling service to date and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
