More gardaí and mental health services 'key' to safety

Study participants suggested training for gardaí should include topics such as mental health, neurodiversity, diversity, cultural awareness and human rights in the context of complex situations.

More community gardaí and greater resourcing of local mental health services are key to building community safety, according to a new report.

The study, conducted by University of Limerick, also said there was a pressing need to invest in community development organisations and youth groups.

The report, entitled ‘Hidden Voices’, looked at the experiences of marginalised communities, including asylum seekers and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and mental health issues, as well as the homeless, the LGBTQ+ community, and Travellers.

Researchers spoke to 21 people, from 16 organisations, working in these areas, as well as representatives from An Garda Síochána and the HSE.

Resources were a constant issue among participants: “All services were noted to be under pressure due to increased demands, and the point was made that the gardaí do not have the resources they need to manage all such demands.” 

One participant said: “We call the guards to the scene … we don’t always get them. And that’s not because they’re hanging around, that’s because, like us, they’re busy … it’s because they’re tied up as well.” 

Participants identified the need for additional community gardaí, acknowledgement persons with disabilities had additional safety needs, and the resourcing of appropriate mental health services, the report said.

On mental health services on the ground, one participant said: “The mental health services in Ireland are a big problem for An Garda Síochána. And this is why people with mental health end up in the criminal justice system.” 

Others highlighted cuts to community groups and youth organisations during austerity. 

“Community development organisations were wiped out during austerity. Youth work was defunded by a third, and the youth population has grown” and “there are youth workers in the country, but not enough".

Participants said community leaders, educators and gardaí needed to understand trauma and its impact on people.

The report said: “It was also suggested that training for gardaí should include topics such as mental health, neurodiversity, diversity, cultural awareness and human rights in the context of complex situations.”

It said there was a need for more joint collaboration between gardaí and the HSE.

Participants also stressed the need for accountability from agencies and departments.

One contributor said: “The only agency that is going to have their input into community safety overseen is the Garda Síochána. None of the other agencies … have that same extent of accountability.” 

The principal researchers were Professor Colum Dunne, head of UL’s School of Medicine and Professor Gautam Gulati, adjunct clinical professor at UL’s School of Medicine.