Richmond welcomes additional mental health supports for Garda personnel

Fine Gael TD, Neale Richmond, has welcomed additional mental health supports introduced by An Garda Síochána for Garda personnel, and called for work to continue in this crucial area.

Deputy Richmond said: “This week An Garda Síochána have announced their response to the Health Needs Assessment Survey which found that while the majority of Garda personnel are in good health, stigma surrounding mental health remains.

“The survey found that a staggering 63% of Gardaí experience trauma at work, with the average Garda having a mental health rating of 6.8/10.

“As a result of this survey, An Garda Síochána have enhanced their 24/7 counselling services and a health and wellbeing app will launch next month.

“Additionally, psychological supervision has been introduced for Gardaí working in cybercrime, protective services and specialist interviewing.

“A relationship has also been established with the UK National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo.

“As well as their counselling service and telephone helpline, Gardaí can access peer supports and a chaplaincy service.”

Deputy Richmond continued: “These supports are very much welcome but must be coupled with continued work and progress in this area.

“Work surrounding mental health and well-being is far from complete and there is still room for improvement.

“In the course of their work on the frontlines, Gardaí expose themselves to the very worst events a society can experience. They do so to shelter and protect our families and communities from these threats. The effect this can have on one’s mental health cannot be ignored.

“Over the past three years, 13 members of An Garda Síochána took their own lives. These enhanced supports for Gardaí can help prevent these terrible events.

“Budget 2021 provides €1,952 billion in funding for our Gardaí, providing for additional recruitment, PPE supplies and ICT supports.

“Today’s announcement makes it clear that mental health supports will not be forgotten for our Gardaí, and they must be maintained, and indeed increased as we move into 2021.”

ENDS