Gardaí feel ‘disconnected’ and ‘disillusioned’

Gardaí are unwilling to speak out about wrongdoing or issues in the force due to a “fear of repercussions or due to a sense of futility” that nothing will happen, a major survey has concluded.

The independent cultural audit of An Garda Síochána, the first survey of its type, said there is an apparent “significant disconnect” between senior gardaí and lower ranks and that senior leadership was “not visible” to members.

It said the leadership was seen as “reactive” to external demands at the expense of what was best for the organisation.