Businessman warned over misuse of Garda logo

A BUSINESSMAN is expected to meet with gardaí today in a bid to resolve a serious dispute over the sale of replica Garda items.

John Brady of Irish Decal Products Ltd claims he received permission from the Garda Síochána to use its logo for souvenirs, which are being sold in shops primarily aimed at tourists.

The Garda Commissioner yesterday issued a statement saying the force had not given permission and that an investigation had been set up into “the apparent misuse of Garda copyright”.

Laws passed in 2005 make it a serious offence to possess or use any badge or crest which closely resembles those of the Gardaí, unless they have prior approval of the Garda Commissioner.

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 a person guilty of such an offence is liable:

*On summary conviction, to a fine of up to €3,000 or up to 12 months in prison or both.

*On conviction on indictment, a fine of up to €50,000 or up to five years in jail or both.

These offences could apply to people who buy the products in the shops and are caught in possession of them or using them.

Irish Decal has produced large quantities of items such as Garda caps, T-shirts and badges, which bear the Garda logo or crest.

Irish Decal, in operation for 25 years, is a small family business involved in the wholesale distribution to the tourist trade.

Mr Brady, who has a shop in Dun Laoghaire in Dublin, told the Joe Duffy radio show on RTÉ yesterday that he had got permission from the Garda Press Office to use the logo and bought a licence to do so.

Donal Cahill, who owns the Chequered Flag shop in Terenure, south Dublin, said the items had caught people’s attentions. He said the items were “fully licensed” by the gardaí.

But a statement from the Garda Press Office yesterday afternoon said: “The Garda Commissioner wishes to advise the public that the use of the Garda logo for commercial purposes has not been authorised.

“The commissioner is very concerned at the possible misuse and abuse of such products bearing the Garda crest and has directed an investigation into the apparent misuse of Garda copyright.”

A spokesman for Irish Decal said they would not be commenting until they had spoken with gardaí.

“This is between us and the guards and before we make a statement we’re just going to sort it out with them.”

He said they would probably meet with gardaí today.