Bernard Durkan
Ceist:118. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí injured in the course of duty in the past six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22831/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 23 May 2018
Ceisteanna (118)
Freagraí scríofa
I know the Deputy will agree that we should never underestimate the difficulties and dangers the men and women of An Garda Síochána face on our behalf and the courage required to face down criminals in dangerous circumstances. The Government is committed to supporting the work of An Garda Síochána and to ensuring that the organisation is properly resourced to carry out its important role in protecting our communities.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána is committed to ensuring that members exposed to a traumatic incident or injured on duty receive the appropriate organisational response and with this in mind the Garda Employee Assistance Service provides a confidential professional support and referral service to both serving and former members of An Garda Síochána, students and their immediate families.
I am advised that an Independent Counselling Service was introduced in An Garda Síochána on 24 June 2016 which provides counselling on a wide range of work and personal related issues including critical incidents, and trauma. The service is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year and provides employees with immediate support from accredited counsellors over the phone and if required follow on counselling sessions in person.
I have been advised by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí injured on duty during the period 2013 to 2017 and up to 23 May 2018 is as set out in the following table.
|
Number Gardaí injured on duty 2013 – 2018* |
|||||||
|
Year |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018* |
Grand Total |
|
Total |
513 |
629 |
630 |
664 |
635 |
181 |
3252 |
*Up to 23 May 2018