The number of gardai quitting the force early has hit a five-year high, it has emerged.
Figures obtained by The Irish Mirror show almost 100 officers resigned from the force in 2021 – an increase of more than a third on 2020.
But the figures, released by Garda headquarters following a freedom of information request, show an increase of more than double those in 2017.
Some 41 officers resigned that year – but 94 quit in 2021, an increase of around 130%.
And already this year, six members of the force – one sergeant and five gardai – have handed in their notice.
Sources said officers were increasingly concerned that gardai, especially those with 10 or fewer years’ service, were jacking it in because of pay, conditions and stress.
One source said last night: “It used to be a job for life. You signed up and did at least 30 years and retired on a pension.
“But we all know of members who have resigned. It seems to have gotten worse in the last few years.”
And another source said: “Some members just don’t want the grief any more.
“The pay was good, but then the cuts came in when austerity was introduced at the start of the recession and newer entrants have poorer pensions than those with longer service.
“You also have to worry about the constant stresses of the job. Members are spat on, assaulted, the subject of vexatious complaints and everyone films them on their camera phones when they’re doing their job.
“A lot of young lads are just sick of it. I don’t blame them for getting out. Jobs in the private sector are better paid and there is much less stress.”
The figures show there were 361 resignations between 2017 and January 2022.
There were 41 resignations in 2017; 77 in 2018; 73 in 2019; 70 in 2020 and a whopping 94 in 2021. There were also six early this year, to January 10.
Those resignations are on top of the approximately 300 retirements per year of officers who have served their 30 years and retire on a pension.
Brendan O’Connor, vice-president of the Garda Representative Association said the increase in officers quitting needed to be looked at by bosses.
He said: “We believe the issue needs to be examined to see what is driving the figures upwards. Retention has not traditionally been an issue but that appears to be changing.
“It takes considerable time and resources to bring a member through their training and every individual who chooses to leave leaves a gap somewhere in the organisation.”
And he agreed that the less favourable pension scheme for newer recruits was a major issue.
He added: “There is little doubt that the significant decrease in pension entitlements for those recruited since 2013 is a factor for members making career choices.
A Garda spokesman last night said: “Voluntary resignations are a personal decision by members of An Garda Siochana.”
“Reduced terms and conditions coupled with the ever increasing demands placed upon members are definitely push factors when people see more attractive prospects elsewhere.
“The spike in resignations in recent years is something that needs to be examined by management.
“Perhaps it is time for exit interviews to be held with those choosing to leave what was once very much considered a job for life.”
Of the 361 resignations between 2017 and January 10 of this year, the vast bulk have been of gardai.
One was a chief superintendent, 12 were sergeants – but 348 were of Garda rank.
A Garda spokesman last night said: “Voluntary resignations are a personal decision by members of An Garda Síochána.
“An Garda Síochána cannot comment on such personal decisions.”
