The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has said an increasing number of gardaí are resigning from the job because of low morale, bullying and unfair treatment, and work-related stress.
So far this year, 106 gardaí have left the organisation, around the same figure for all of last year and more than double in 2017.
The GRA's findings have been published in a report that is based on interviews with 40 gardaí who left the organisation last year.
Garda Headquarters said the issues raised that are under the garda's control are being addressed, but the resignation rate is 1% of the garda workforce.
The GRA said the reality of policing in An Garda Síochána is "a worrying work culture where bullying, mental stress, burn out, and a sense of vulnerability are rife".
The association interviewed 40 gardaí who left the organisation in the last year and they have described feeling undervalued and overworked.
All describe morale as being low within the garda organisation.
Of those surveyed, 70% said they had resigned because of unfair treatment and bullying by management, 37.5% because of stress and burn out, 32.5% because of the lack of resources or a toxic work environment, while 27.5% said they felt vulnerable and felt a lack of support.
The author of the report Tara Mc Manus said she hopes it will shine a light on the conditions that gardaí are currently working under so that they will be addressed.
President of the GRA, Brendan O’Connor, said he was "somewhat taken aback" by the findings and that it is now up to garda management to take heed of the alarm bells and warnings in this research.
GRA General Secretary Ronan Slevin said unless these issues are properly addressed the trend of garda resignations and early retirements will continue.
Garda Headquarters said it has also conducted its own exit interviews with gardaí and that it will address the issues raised that are under its control.
