A nationwide survey of gardaí will gather the views of officers on how to improve the force in the wake of recent controversies.

It has been launched by Interim Commissioner Noirín O'Sullivan, who wants to see senior gardaí listen and engage more across the organisation.

It is the first time a study of this kind has been carried out.

This survey of all Garda staff revolves around five key questions.

Every respondent is being asked to anonymously spell out what they think are the strengths of the force; the main issues and challenges; what improvement should be prioritised; what's needed to make those changes and any other feedback they might have.

Noirín O'Sullivan says the input could shape the future of the gardaí. Senior officers say the information will be used to develop a blueprint to tackle the issues surrounding the force, especially in the wake of the garda tapes controversy.

Commissioner O'Sullivan says criticism of the organisation should be embraced constructively. She has asked every member to pledge to live up to the values of An Garda Síochána, and improve the image of the force.