Peadar Tóibín
Question:31. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí who have left the force in each year since 2020. [17652/24]
View answerTuesday, 23 April 2024
Questions (31)
Written answers
As you may be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.
The following table outlines the number of Gardaí who have left the service in each year since 2020, as of 18 April 2024. Figures include Voluntary Retirements, Compulsory Retirements, Cost Neutral Early Retirements, Resignations, Dismissals, Deaths in Service and Medical Discharges.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2024 * |
136 |
|
2023 |
520 |
|
2022 |
476 |
|
2021 |
405 |
|
2020 |
337 |
|
Total |
1874 |
I must emphasise that numbers leaving are relatively low. As of last month, there were just over 14,000 Garda members and the rate of resignations is currently at around 1%. The increase since 2022 is 0.3% of Garda numbers.
As the Deputy will appreciate, people may choose to leave an organisation or change careers for a variety of reasons. I believe that the relatively low rate of resignations from An Garda Síochána must also be seen in the context of the current healthy state of Ireland’s economy, with full employment, a highly competitive jobs market and where Gardaí are likely to have acquired highly desirable skills.
A lot of work is being done by An Garda Síochána in terms of recruitment and retention. They have recently introduced their own exit interviews to get a clearer view on why people may choose to resign and, where appropriate, to address issues which may influence retention.
I have consistently sought to support the wellbeing of Gardaí. In Budget 2024, the Government provided €6m for Garda wellbeing initiatives, additional medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.
Both myself and the Commissioner fully recognise that policing is challenging but very rewarding work. We are immensely grateful to our Gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the vital role that they play in keeping people safe.
The Government have agreed to take all necessary steps to support recruitment and retention in An Garda Síochána. To that end, my Department is working with Garda management and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in relation to further measures to address the issues of recruitment and retention. I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána continue to work on the mitigation of various resourcing challenges including but not limited to actions such as the establishment of the Garda Training Steering Group.
Both myself and the Garda Commissioner fully recognise that policing is challenging but very rewarding work. We are immensely grateful to our Gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the vital role that they play in keeping people safe.