Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
496. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice if An Garda Síochána keep records from exit interviews of gardaí leaving the force early, that is, not due to retirement, to better understand the reason members are leaving the force in large numbers; if her Department has conducted research to understand same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10665/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset I would like to assure the Deputy that I have been absolutely committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources need to make sure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe.
In 2024, I have provided a budget allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána. This is a 25% increase since 2020 and will allow for the sustained recruitment of between 800 to 1,000 new Garda recruits this year.
It is anticipated that the number of Garda members will begin to grow steadily throughout 2024.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including HR matters.
As the Deputy will appreciate, matters relating to the resignation of Garda members is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I have no role in these matters.
It is important to emphasise that, of the almost 14,000 sworn members currently working in the Garda organisation, 169 resigned last year, representing a little more than 1% of total Garda members.
Any increase in the number of resignations should be viewed in this context. It should also be viewed in the context of a highly competitive jobs market.
The Deputy will be interested to know that An Garda Síochána have introduced their own exit interviews to get a clearer view on why people may choose to resign and, where appropriate, to address issues which may influence retention. These voluntary exit interviews are conducted by a chartered occupational psychologist working within the Garda Human Resources and People Development department.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that at this time, there is not sufficient data to extrapolate definitive themes. However, I am informed that there will be an option, available shortly, of a confidential online survey that will increase capacity to collect data from those who resign from An Garda Síochána.
