Bernard Durkan
Ceist:
282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which gardaí injured in the course of their duty have their cases followed up to their satisfaction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51945/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will make contact directly with the Deputy when this has been received.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question Numbers 282 and 283 which were for answer on 21 October 2021, where you sought the extent to which Gardaí injured in the course of their duty have had their cases followed up to their satisfaction, the total number of Gardaí recorded as having been injured in the course of their duties, and the extent to which procedures pertaining to Gardaí injured in the course of their duties have been or are being modified. You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and Minister Humphreys undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the requested information was available.
As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including personnel matters. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no information available measuring Garda member satisfaction regarding the follow up of “Injury on Duty” cases. However, I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that all Garda sick leave procedures are followed in the case of Garda members injured while on duty, in accordance with Garda Code 11.37, HQ Directive 139.10 and the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations 2014.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that in November 2021, the latest date which information is available, 197 Garda members were on sick leave as a result of having been injured in the course of duty.
I am informed that if a Garda member is maliciously injured in the course of duty, without wilful default or negligence on their part (and this is confirmed by the Chief Superintendent by way of the issuing of a Certificate in accordance with Garda Code 11.37), full pay may issue while there is a reasonable probability the member will be able to resume duty, as provided for in the Garda Síochána (Finance) Code (F) 3.41.
I am further informed that where a Garda member attributes a subsequent absence to a previous injury sustained on duty, the advices of the Garda Chief Medical Officer are sought to assist with the classification of the absence. I am advised that in such cases the absence remains treated as “Ordinary Illness” in the first instance and that where an absence is reclassified as “Injury on Duty”, the member will be restored to full pay for the period of absence.
I trust that the above information addresses your questions.
