Minister must address Garda resignation crisis
- Garda resignations 50% higher than 2022 and just over six times higher than the number recorded in 2016.
- Fine Gael is responsible for this collapse in Garda frontline numbers
Labour Justice Spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD has expressed grave concern over the recent surge in Garda resignations in 2023.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“The surge in Garda resignations is deeply concerning. Last year Garda resignations reached 164 and Government are failing to address the issue. Many of those resigning are doing so in the first five years of service. It raises serious questions about the working conditions and career progression opportunities available to members.
“We need immediate action. The party of law and order in Fine Gael is responsible for this collapse in Garda frontline numbers and they need to explain why the people of Ireland will be left with inadequate policing.
“We know Government has failed to address the issue of adequate policing in Dublin City Centre but people in all parts of Ireland, rural and urban, want to feel safe and they want to feel secure on the streets. They want to be able to walk around their own areas without fear, and they want assurance that if there is an emergency situation, that members of An Garda Siochana are in a position to come to their assistance in a timely manner.
“There must be an assessment of why we find ourselves in the position we do with these declining figures in the Force. 164 resignations in 2023, compared with just 26 a decade ago. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil can’t continue to haemorrhage members of the Force in the manner in which they currently are.
“Labour’s alternative budget published in 2023 budgeted for 900 additional Garda trainees with an increased starting salary grade. Particularly for the Capital, we need more Gardaí to help tackle the increase in anti-social behaviour, home burglaries and serious incidents of crime. The offer for new recruits must be improved.”