Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2017
118. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of claims both initiating of proceedings and intimidating of proceedings that have been made against the Garda Commissioner since August 2014 from members of the force both gardaí and civilian for work related stress. [40048/17]
View answerI should point out, firstly, that few claims from Garda members or civilians cite work related stress as the primary issue. Rather, it appears that work related stress may be relevant in personal injury proceedings, such as, claims arising from car crashes/collisions or bullying allegations.
Since 2011 the State Claims Agency has handled personal injury proceedings in respect of claims taken against the Garda Commissioner. The State Claims Agency has advised that a total of 27 claims appear to relate to work-place stress by members or civilians in the Garda Síochána in the period since August 2014 to date. In addition, two other civil actions relating to the Garda Síochána, which are being managed by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor, cite work-place stress in their proceedings.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that if members of An Garda Síochána report unfit for duty citing work related stress, there is an obligation on Garda Management under the Garda Síochána Sickness Policy to investigate the matter. It is also the case that, in accordance with the requirements of Department of Finance Circular 12/2015, civilian members of An Garda Síochána who report unfit for work due to work related stress are referred to the Chief Medical Officer.
