Martin Kenny
Ceist:327. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if he can provide an outline of the internal services available to gardaí who encounter a mental health difficulty in the course of their work. [8006/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 16 February 2023
Ceisteanna (327)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes responsibility for personnel and human resources matters.
Garda management have introduced a suite of measures in recent times to support members including the Employee Assistance Service (available to all Garda members, staff, retired members and their families); a 24/7/365 telephone helpline and counselling service provided by Inspire Wellbeing; and a Peer Support Network.
The Employee Assistance Service (EAS), through Employee Assistance Officers, is available to provide a confidential, professional, support and assistance service to members to help resolve work or personal issues that are causing stress, worry or disruption to an individual’s life. In conjunction with EAS, the Peer Supporter Programme was established within An Garda Síochána. Peer Supporters are colleagues who have received appropriate training to help fellow Garda members.
In 2021 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 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.
Arising from the findings of the Garda Cultural Audit 2022, the Commissioner has acknowledged that while there are many positives within the service, it is clear that the organisation has more work to do to ensure that people are being supported in their very challenging work.