Tipperary TD warns that Garda Síochána is now at a "crossroads" due to internal issues

The country has arrived at a situation with An Garda Síochána that few would ever have envisaged, according to Tipperary TD Michael Lowry.

"As an organisation that has always been respected and trusted, the rapid decline in relationship between rank and file members and management is disturbing," he told the Dáil during a Private Members Motion brought forward by the Regional Group of TDs. 

"The situation is becoming increasingly unsettled as frustrations continue to escalate," he warned

The Thurles TD said that there were serious problems - and a range of fundamental issues that needed to be settled. The GRA had made valid points and made legitimate and reasoned requests.

"These are the men and women who have dedicated their lives to upholding law and order across our country. We rely on them each day to protect our communities and properties. They are asking to be heard, to have their opinions heeded," he said.

Deputy Lowry said that they wanted the Commissioner to listen to their realities on the ground, to hear their frontline experiences which would enlighten a proper and effective work structure.

"This unseemly row is damaging to the public perception of the force and holds danger for the public interest. Emotion is seldom conducive to securing resolution in any dispute," he said.

He said that the current division could have been avoided and an independent and properly mediated Review of Garda Síochána operations, with the engagement of all stakeholders, should have been made a priority.

"It should have taken place when the first cracks began to appear. We now have a standoff which must be resolved. Further delay risks provoking an already delicate situation that could prevent a workable compromise," said the TD.

He said that the key to this resolution will be agreement on the four-unit structure, which was the issue that the public was now familiar with.

However, of equal importance was the need to address the structural and management deficiencies with the current policing model, he said.

"The Force is rife with lack of morale. Morale is at an all-time low, as is evidenced by the issue of recruitment and retention numbers," he said.

Deputy Lowry pointed out that in 2019 a decision was taken to reduce the intake of recruits by 200 members. As a result of Covid, the Training College closed the following year and alternative options to continue with recruitment were slow to emerge.

In 2022 the Force was promised 800 recruits but had less than 300. In 2023 they were promised 1,000, but indications were that they won’t achieve this, with current predictions being 800 at best, he said, and it also appeared that there won’t be the capacity to recruit 1000 in 2024 as a result of the late intake dates this year,

"No moves have been formalised to increase the Garda Trainee Allowance of €184 per week, which is derisory. Poor pension entitlements for new recruits since 2013 are also a determining factor for anyone considering a career in the Gardai," he said.

Deputy Lowry said that the Government must realise that the pay terms and conditions for Gardai were not adequate and would not attract new recruits.

"This is the principal reason that a once sought-after career is now overlooked by young men and women. They no longer see it as a viable choice," he said.

Deputy Lowry recalled that throughout the 90s there had been a consistently large number of recruits but these were now edging towards retirement eligibility and with current recruitment trends there will not be sufficient numbers to replace them.

Resignations this year are heading for 150, there have been 96 to date. Last year there were 108. Pre-2018 figures show an average of 45 annual retirements, he pointed out.

"Many serving members tell me they cannot wait to exit. Decreasing recruitment and increasing retirements paint a very concerning picture for the future. Confidence and optimism within the Garda force is at the lowest ebb since the foundation of the force," said Deputy Lowry.

"The problems go way deeper than rostering. An Garda Síochána is at a crucial crossroads. Urgent discussions and negotiations must commence to stabilise and restore a vital institution of State," he said.