Well-being of Gardaí must be a priority for the new Government – Richmond

The well-being of Gardaí in response to the daily challenges they encounter must be a priority for the new Government, Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond has said.

Deputy Richmond is raising the issue in the Dáil today and said the Government must ensure that the Gardaí are well-equipped, both physically and mentally, to carry out their duties.

The Dublin Rathdown TD said: “An Garda Síochána play a crucial role in protecting us from the very worst in our society. In doing so, they put themselves at risk and ask for little in return.

“Gardaí must have access to the necessary equipment to keep them safe and also to carry out their role to the best of their ability. The recent delivery of 35 additional squad cars is very welcome but we must add on this and ensure that no Garda is left wanting. Be it equipment for self-protection or investigative work, our force must be equipped to carry out the task at hand.

“Training must be a constant factor in the career of our Gardaí. Where new equipment or technology is supplied, Guards must be well versed in their use. No investigation should be compromised or left lacking due to a lack of knowledge.

“The Gardaí protect us from the worst in our society, from gangland criminals to drug dealing and dissident terrorism. They have been exposed to sights none of us can fathom, and by the nature of this they also deserve emotional support.

“A 2018 survey by the Garda Representative Association reports that one in six rank and file Guards may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; with more than 27% described as being ‘walking wounded’ due to the trauma they have been exposed to in the line of duty.

“Mental health supports must be prioritised for these Guards. We cannot expect them to deal with the absolute worst aspects of our country and not be affected by this.

“As a country we have learned that mental health is no less important than physical health. We cannot forget this when it comes to our Gardaí.

“A safe atmosphere must be established where Gardaí feel safe seeking help or treatment where necessary. A clinical psychologist has given the current Garda mental health services a five out of ten rating. This is unacceptable and cannot continue.

“During the Covid-19 restrictions, our Gardaí put themselves at risk every day by enforcing our public health guidelines. As a country we have great respect for them for this work and everything else that they do. We must go further than paying lip-service to those who allow society to function. We must protect them, just as they protect us, ” Deputy Richmond concluded