Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors calls for review of suspension policy

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will address the 46th annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors in Westport, Co Mayo, on Tuesday.

Investigations into allegations against gardaí are taking "unacceptable" lengths of time and a review of the Garda suspension policy has now been called for by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI).

Sharp criticism of the Garda suspension policy has been heard since a long-serving garda was suspended for more than three years after he loaned an unclaimed bike, reportedly worth €50, to a local pensioner who was living alone and could not buy one himself as shops were closed during the height of the covid-19 pandemic, but the garda did not fill out the paperwork for it.

While the DPP did not prosecute the garda for the move, he remained on suspension for three years. 

Commissioner Drew Harris says he stands over the process and has claimed the public does not know the full story.

The AGSI is also now calling for some independent oversight of the Garda suspension policy.

The body slammed the level of communication to suspended members as "dismal".

“The motivation for this call is to give confidence to members that the suspension policy is fair, transparent, and accountable,” AGSI president Paul Curran said.

We understand the need for a robust policy, but members must have the confidence that there are appropriate oversight mechanisms in place.

The calls come as the AGSI meets for its 46th annual conference in Westport, Co Mayo today.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Commissioner Harris will address the conference on Tuesday.

Top of the agenda for the 170 delegates who represent 31 AGSI Branches will be the recruitment and retention crisis.

Ongoing ‘transformation challenges’ and what AGSI describe as ‘never-ending and over-burdensome oversight,’ will also be raised.

Proposed new Garda roster

Delegates will also hear more details about upcoming ballots on the proposed new Garda roster and the recently announced Public Service Pay Agreement 2024-2026.

AGSI have 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’.

Deputy general secretary Ronan Clogher said there were very clear agenda items that required direct responses and “we hope the Minister and the Garda Commissioner provide commitments or answers at conference”. 

There are 23 motions on the programme over the next three days ranging from pay and allowances, training, representation, uniform and equipment, and organisational transformation to work practices and promotions which were submitted following AGMs in January.