GRA writes to justice minister over 'issues of grave concern' around new Garda disciplinary regulations

New Garda regulations are due to be enacted within the next two weeks.

An ongoing dispute between frontline gardaí and the Department of Justice over planned disciplinary regulations has now ensnared new justice minister Jim O’Callaghan.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has formally contacted the minister about the proposed regulations, due to be enacted within the next two weeks.

The GRA, representing more than 11,000 frontline members, along with the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), representing more than 2,600 supervisors, were engaged in a worsening row with department officials towards the end of last year.

The issue was eased after the department agreed to defer the implementation of the Conduct, Performance and Standards of Professional Behaviour Regulations 2025 from last December to March of this year.

In a letter to members, GRA general secretary Ronan Slevin said despite “productive engagement” with department officials, there remained “issues of grave concern” regarding the conduct regulations.

“In their current state, I believe they pose a significant and detrimental threat to the rights, entitlements and protections of our members,” he said.

Mr Slevin said under the regulations, members would have to provide information and an account, even if contrary to his or her interests, without the protection of knowing whether the conduct being examined “is considered to be misconduct or gross misconduct”.

He said members may be required to provide this information “without the benefit of legal advice”, even where the conduct in question could lead to dismissal.

He added there was no opportunity to “cross examine” an accuser.

Mr Slevin said: “There is no mention of regulations to deal with minor discipline breaches, which are currently dealt with at local level. The association believes that members will now find themselves facing sanction for more serious breaches.”