A STAGGERING 602 Garda personnel sought psychological help for their well being in September, we can reveal.
An eye opening 92 sought trauma counselling, 316 standard counselling, 164 participated in a Psychological Support Programme and 30 went on a psychological group information sessions.
The programmes are all part of the INSPIRE Wellbeing Service which supports Garda colleagues through challenging times in either their professional or personal lives.
The figures were revealed in the Garda Commissioner’s October report to the Police Authority.
A senior Garda source said the numbers showed the pressure members are under and that mental health is now a serious issue in the force.
He said: “Our rank and file Gardai are overworked and stretched to the limit on every shift.
“We don’t have enough people to deal with the day to day crime being committed on the streets.
“As many people are leaving as joining and we are not recruiting and training new members quick enough.”
The Commissioner Drew Harris confirmed there were currently 14,125 in the force – 10,075 and 4,050 female.
There are 323 in the Garda Reserve and 3,627 Garda staff members.
At the end of September, 107 members had resigned from the Force and another 174 had retired.
He said the retirement age has now been increased from 60 to 62 years from September 3, 2024.
The Commissioner also disclosed that 90 members of the Gardai are currently suspended pending investigation by An Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission and An Garda Siochana.
These included nine new cases which came to light this year.
Ten of the cases are for allegations of sexual assault/misconduct , 16 cases of theft and fraud, and 12 cases of driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
Nine are accused of domestic violence and eight perverting the course of justice.
The report also revealed that 18 Gardai suffered occupational injuries while on duty in September.
‘TOUGH JOB’
Eight were the victims of assaults, and three had needle stick injuries to the body.
One member was injured in a road accident while another was injured by animals.
The source added: “Being a Garda is a tough job and every day you go out on duty you are putting your life on the line.
“We need at least 2,000 more members on the beat to cope with Ireland’s growing population.”
