Garda Sergeants and Inspectors meet in West Mayo for AGSI’s Annual Delegate Conference

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has said it has no confidence in the current suspension policies within An Garda Síochána and is calling for the urgent introduction of independent oversight for members suspended for prolonged periods.  

Delegates will hear that Garda members are being left on suspension for extended and undefined periods, with investigations often taking years to conclude.

AGSI has reiterated its long-standing call for an independent review mechanism for suspensions exceeding 12 months, warning that the current system is failing both members and the organisation.

“A system that leaves members suspended indefinitely, without clear timelines or independent oversight, is not a system that can command confidence,” said AGSI General Secretary, Ronan Clogher.

Recent high-profile cases relating to Fixed Charge Penalty Notices have again highlighted the issue of prolonged investigations and the absence of clear timelines.

Industrial Relations system ‘no longer functioning’

AGSI will also tell delegates that the industrial relations framework within An Garda Síochána is no longer functioning effectively, with long-standing issues remaining unresolved for years.

The Association, alongside the Garda Representative Association, is progressing a joint complaint to European bodies, citing the failure of the State to implement findings of the European Committee of Social Rights dating back to 2013.

Social media abuse of Gardaí increasing

AGSI has also raised serious concerns regarding the growing level of online abuse directed at Garda members, with increasing reports of members being personally targeted.

The Association says it is now seeing a significant rise in representation requests relating to social media abuse and is calling for urgent supports, guidance, and protection measures to be put in place. In some cases, members’ identities, homes, and families are being exposed online simply for carrying out their duties.

EU Presidency to place 'unprecedented pressure' on Garda resources

The conference will also focus on the challenges facing An Garda Síochána in policing Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency, which will run from July to December.

AGSI has warned that the scale of the event will place unprecedented demands on Garda resources. “Crime will not stop for the EU Presidency, and our members are already stretched,” said AGSI President Declan Higgins.

The Association is seeking assurances from both Government and Garda management that the organisation has the capacity to meet these demands without impacting day-to-day policing.

Housing crisis impacting Garda members

AGSI has also highlighted the impact of the housing crisis on its members, particularly those required to relocate for duty.

An increasing number of Gardaí are now reliant on Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), which underlines the growing difficulty members face in securing suitable accommodation.   AGSI says this is no longer just a housing issue, it is a retention issue.

The Association is calling on the Government to examine the reintroduction of housing supports, similar to previous Garda estate practices, to ensure members can live and work in the communities they serve.

Conference Motions

A total of 165 Garda Sergeants and Inspectors are attending the 48th Annual Delegate Conference in Westport.

The Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, will address delegates this afternoon, while Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly will speak on the second day of the conference.

AGSI General Secretary Ronan Clogher said the conference theme, “Building a Force for Change,” reflects the scale of challenges facing policing.

“We are seeing an evolving policing landscape, with increasing demand in areas such as economic and cybercrime, alongside sustained pressures across frontline policing. Our members are at the centre of that change, and they must be supported to meet those demands.”

A total of 13 motions submitted by AGSI Branches will be debated at the conference, including: 

Halting the rollout of electric Garda vehicles until adequate charging infrastructure is put in place. A review of the number of Inspectors assigned to each Garda Division. Ensuring that all new entrants to An Garda Síochána are fully vetted prior to commencement of training. Amending the Road Traffic Act 2010 to increase the timeframe permitted for the taking of a sample from a suspected intoxicated driver from three hours to five hours after the time of driving. 

The conference opens at the Castlecourt Hotel Westport at 4pm this afternoon and closes at lunchtime on Wednesday.

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