Gardaí oppose new regulations threatening their employment rights

Garda representatives, part of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), are expressing serious concerns about new discipline regulations outlined in the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. They argue these measures would limit employment rights for gardaí, making them less protected than other government workers and the general public. Ronan Slevin, the general secretary of the GRA, stated that if approved, these regulations could significantly threaten the rights of gardaí. He emphasized that the association will not accept being treated unfairly compared to others in society. Tensions between the rank-and-file gardaí and senior management, particularly Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, are already high, leading the GRA to exclude him from their upcoming annual conference. The GRA has objected to various aspects of the proposed regulations, including allowing civilian staff to impose sanctions on sworn members. They believe this undermines the authority and oversight of the police force. Additionally, the GRA has raised concerns about the new Garda Board, which lacks employee representation and will make crucial disciplinary decisions. Under the new rules, gardaí facing disciplinary action will have to provide information that may hurt their case without legal advice, even in serious situations that could lead to dismissal. They may also not have the right to challenge their accusers, which raises significant issues for fair treatment in disciplinary matters. The Department of Justice has not commented on these concerns.