Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
30. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Justice the mental and emotional supports that are available to members of An Garda Síochána who, in the course of their duties, are faced with tragic and violent situations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52423/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all Garda members and Garda staff.
Last year An Garda Síochána launched 'Keeping Our People Supported', the Health and Wellbeing Strategy Statement and Action Plan 2021-2023. This plan identified three key goals to improve the health and welfare of members of An Garda Síochána.
The goals were to identify, communicate and enhance existing resources to promote health, wellbeing and work ability across the organisation, to develop partnerships with key stakeholders inside and outside An Garda Síochána in order to to build capacity, and to provide support and advice.A new wellbeing app called Keeping Our People Supported (KOP) was launched as part of the strategy. The app makes support available to members of An Garda Síochána 24/7 and can be accessed on any mobile device. It was created to ensure members who may be distressed and in need or urgent assistance can access the supports available to them at any time.
Policing as a profession exposes people to sometimes traumatic and challenging incidents – it is important that personnel have access to and avail of these supports when they need them.
In an attempt to negate the harmful effects of traumatic incidents, the Employee Assistance Service (EAS) are available to provide a confidential, professional, support and assistance service to members who may have been involved in a traumatic incident in work. I understand the service is available to help resolve work or personal issues that are causing stress, worry or disruption to an individual’s life.
I am further informed that in conjunction with the EAS, a Peer Supporter Programme was established within An Garda Síochána. Peer Supporters are colleagues who have received appropriate training to help members cope with the effect of a traumatic incident in the workplace. Very often in circumstances of traumatic incidents, the response from a peer supporter has a huge impact in assisting colleagues in the aftermath of such occurrences.
I am advised that following each traumatic incident, a peer supporter is activated. They will contact the member and offer support. In the event that the peer supporter deems it appropriate, they may refer the member to the Employee Assistance Service.
I am also advised that since June 2016, a 24/7, 365 Independent Helpline and Counselling Service is available to all staff within An Garda Síochána with the service available for both work and personal difficulties. The service is not mandatory and is self-referral. Each member of the Organisation may avail of six free sessions of counselling per year, an additional two will be provided if clinically approved. All appointments and consultants are arranged directly between the Service Provider and the staff member.
Trauma-based counselling is also now available to all personnel following on from a traumatic incident in work. This counselling is a self-referral and is accessed through the same helpline, but the individual indicates to the call taker that the request is as a result of a traumatic incident. Trauma counselling provides 6 free sessions to the individual with the option of an additional 6 sessions if clinically approved. If further sessions are required a request will be made to the Occupational Health Department.
Additional arrangements are also in place in respect of personnel attached to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB), Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) and Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSU), who are involved in the investigation of crimes involving the exploitation of children and sexual offences. As the Deputy can appreciate, investigations of these kind may include interaction with abusive or offensive material which is both violent and exploitative in nature.
Since February 2021, personnel in the areas mentioned above attend two mandatary one-to-one psychological sessions to step back from work and explore ways they can protect their wellbeing through improved resiliency/coping strategies, better self-care, having a healthy lifestyle and a better work-life balance. The sessions also provide a space for members to reflect upon and speak about how working with the trauma of others may impact upon their own mental health. These sessions must be attended and there is access to additional counselling sessions for staff attached to these units if required.
Finally, An Garda Síochána's Occupational Health service and the Chief Medical Officer also provide intervention and support to personnel who are referred via local management following injuries on duty, sickness absence or traumatic events.
