As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that sickness absences are recorded on the Sickness Management Absence System under the following categories:
- Ordinary illness
- Occupational injury/illness arising from duty
- Critical illness
I am further informed there is currently no specific sub-category on the Sickness Absence Management System for the recording of absences due to stress, anxiety or depression but in some cases, this is recorded under the sub-category of Mental Health illness.
I am advised by the Commissioner that the following statistics have been compiled using the Mental Health illness sub-category. There is no guarantee that all absences due to stress, anxiety or depression have been recorded under this category.
I am advised by the Commissioner that further to Parliamentary Question No. 31 of 16 May 2019, 10 Gardaí members were recorded as being absent under the Mental Health illness sub-category on Friday 10th May 2019.