Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Absenteeism.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

384 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice the level of absenteeism of gardaí from duty in each division by rank over the last five years; and if he will outline (a) the cost, (b) the average in percentage by rank per division, (c) the length of the sickness period allowed on full pay and reduced pay and (d) the certification required and by whom.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

386 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice the number of man hours lost in Louth/Meath Garda division due to absence from duty on sick leave by rank in each of the last two years; the cost of such absences by way of salary and allowances to each member by rank over the last two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 386 together.

Some of the detail sought by the Deputy is not readily available but I shall within the next few weeks supply as much of it to him as can be extracted from available records without the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources.

As regards the length of sickness period allowed on full pay and reduced pay, the position is as follows. Full pay may be allowed for up to a maximum of 183 days absence on properly certified sick leave in any period of 12 months. Thereafter sick leave may be granted at half-pay for a further 182 days in any 12 month period. Where these sick leave provisions have been exhausted, a member whose service could render him eligible for pension may be granted further sick leave at pension rate of pay until his resumption of duty or discharge from the force on grounds of ill-health.

An exception to the normal provisions for paid sick leave arises in the case of a member of the Garda Síochána who is injured on duty. Such a member may receive full pay pending his return to duty or discharge from the force on grounds of ill-health.

As regards certification of illness, the position is that a medical certificate for the purpose of sick leave in the Garda Síochána must be completed either by a qualified medical practitioner or the Garda surgeon. The certificate must state the relevant member's name and the period for which he is unfit for duty.