Government pledge to add 5,000 new gardaí over the next five years is little more than a pipe dream
It is crucial that the new Garda Commissioner approaches the role with an open mind and an open door, according to Social Democrats justice spokesperson Gary Gannon.
Deputy Gannon said:
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate the new Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly, and wish him well. He faces an immense challenge reforming the institution, tackling the recruitment crisis and building trust with rank-and-file personnel.
“Mr Kelly has been appointed at a critical juncture for the Gardaí, in a period where recruitment and retention is now a major crisis. The previous government had promised to increase Garda numbers to 15,000 but they never rose beyond 14,000.
“There has now been some modest improvement, to 14,300, but resignations and retirements are on an upward trajectory. The current government target of adding 5,000 new gardaí over the next five years is little more than a pipe dream when officers are retiring or resigning in their droves.
“Shortages have led to some stations being unmanned at crucial times of the day and night, leaving communities without adequate emergency services, while those which are manned are dreadfully understaffed, leaving some Gardaí shouldering unsustainable workloads.
“The first thing the new Garda Commissioner must do is heal broken ties with the Garda Representative Association. The myriad issues plaguing the force can only be fixed by listening to the concerns of rank-and-file Gardaí.
“I hope that the new Commissioner approaches the role with an open mind and an open door. It’s time for systemic change within our police force.”