Senior gardaí seek review of suspension policy amid dismay over investigations
Anger at uniform and fears of unrest are to be discussed
The body representing garda middle management will call for a review of the force’s suspension policy at its annual conference, which starts today in Mayo.
It follows major controversy about a garda who faced a four-year disciplinary and criminal investigation for giving a farmer a loan of a bicycle.
While this case has not been specifically referenced by Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) delegates ahead of their conference, the organisation will seek a review of the garda suspension policy with a view to having an independent oversight mechanism put in place.
In a statement, the AGSI said that the length of time that investigations were taking was unacceptable and the level of communication to suspended members dismal.
AGSI president Paul Curran said: “The motivation for this call is to give confidence to members that the suspension policy is fair, transparent and accountable. We understand the need for a robust policy, but members must have the confidence that there are appropriate oversight mechanisms in place.”
Their statement came after the Sunday Independent yesterday revealed that the garda at the centre of the bike controversy is to sue the force for damages.
Two motions in relation to disciplinary investigations introduced by delegates from Westmeath and Cork will be discussed at the conference in Westport.
Delegates from two Dublin garda divisions will express strong criticism of the garda uniform that was introduced in February 2022, with one motion stating “it is not fit for purpose due to quality of the material to retain heat”, meaning an extra layer of clothing is needed.
With deep concerns about public order policing being highlighted after last November’s Dublin riots, delegates from Wexford are calling for a fully equipped public order van for each garda division.
With an upsurge in organised and violent crime in Kerry, delegates in that county want Garda Commissioner Drew Harris “to carry out a review of the potential response times for ASU (armed support unit) personnel to respond to rural locations”.
Top of the agenda for the 170 delegates who represent 31 AGSI branches will be the recruitment and retention crisis, along with ongoing transformation challenges and what the AGSI describes as “never-ending and over-burdensome oversight”.
Separately, delegates will hear more details about upcoming ballots on the proposed new garda roster and the recently announced Public Service Pay Agreement 2024-2026.
The AGSI has described the mood among members as one of frustration as they seek faster decision-making on key issues and enhanced internal collaboration and communication. They described the mood as one of “change fatigue”.
There are 23 motions on the programme over the next three days which were submitted following AGMs in January. Both Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will address the conference tomorrow.