Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 March 2025
114. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice if he or his Department officials discussed the introduction of new internal disciplinary measures for An Garda Síochána, which form part of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, with any member(s) of the Garda Representative Association; and, if so, to outline the details of this discussion. [14277/25]
View answer125. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice if he or his Department’s officials discussed the introduction of new internal disciplinary measures for an Garda Síochána, which form part of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, with any member(s) of the Garda Representative Association or the Garda Síochána leadership team or civilian Garda leadership team; and if so, to outline the details of this discussion. [14372/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 125 together.
The Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (COFPI) recommended that the current system of Garda discipline be reviewed and replaced with a system that distinguishes more appropriately between misconduct and performance related issues.
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 implements this recommendation by providing for Regulations to be made on the performance, conduct and standards of professional behaviour of Garda members. The Regulations were approved by Government at its meeting on 25 March and will come into operation at the same time as the Act is commenced on 2 April.
Detailed engagement has taken place on these draft Regulations with Garda management, other relevant agencies, and the Garda Associations, including the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to ensure their input in the drafting process. Their suggestions have been taken on board, insofar as possible. As the Deputy will appreciate, there is a diversity of views on certain issues which means that consensus on the approach will not always be achieved, so a balance must be struck in the overall approach. It is also to be noted that I am statutorily required to consult with the Garda Commissioner and the Police Ombudsman before I make the Conduct and Performance Regulations.
I have requested my officials to continue to engage with the representative associations, including the GRA and Garda management on the Regulations, and on the policies, procedures and training required in addition to the Regulations. I will also arrange to meet with the representative associations later in the year to review how the new regime is operating. I will be open, at that time, to considering any issues that emerge.
