The vast majority of Gardaí serve with integrity and work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
However, there are robust procedures in place to allow the Garda Commissioner to deal with any allegations of misconduct and the Commissioner is committed to ensuring that the highest levels of integrity are maintained by Gardaí.
I am informed that there were 107 Gardaí suspended at the end of 2025 and that 42 new suspensions were initiated across last year.
The below table has been provided to me by Garda authorities, showing the number of Gardaí that have been suspended for the years 2015 to 2024, as well as shortest suspension period and longest suspension period in each of those years.
|
-
|
2015
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
2019
|
2020
|
2021
|
2022
|
2023
|
2024
|
|
No. of Members Suspended
|
12
|
9
|
9
|
21
|
26
|
41
|
44
|
44
|
27
|
18
|
|
Shortest number of days *
|
26
|
9
|
242
|
22
|
53
|
35
|
1
|
32
|
13
|
28
|
|
Longest number of days *
|
2,113
|
2,674
|
1,327
|
2,387
|
2,276
|
1,855
|
1,536
|
1,156
|
829
|
391
|
*Figures represent days suspended.
The length of time a Garda is suspended for may be dependent on criminal cases and/or a member choosing to exercise their right to judicially review the process. These factors can result in a protracted suspension period. The suspension of each member is reviewed on a quarterly basis by senior Garda management.
The Commissioner's monthly report to the Policing and Community Safety Authority contains figures on the number of suspended Gardaí and a breakdown of the main issue behind each suspension. These reports can be found at the below link:
Commissioner's Monthly Reports to Policing and Community Safety Authority - Garda (www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-and-community-safety-authority/)
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business by law. This includes Garda discipline. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions, including decisions related to the suspension of Garda members
