ANNUAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE 2026

"Equal Respect to all People"

By Ronan Slevin, General Secretary

THE GRA’S 48th Annual Delegate Conference took place in Westport on April 21 & 22 and there were so many highlights over the two days as almost 150 Delegates helped shape the Association’s future policy and strategy.

Over the two days Delegates discussed and debated Motions from all over the country on issues such as pay allowances and conditions, pensions, health and safety, equipment and training, and the use of suspension as a first tool of discipline.  They also considered motions on entitlements & increments, FCIs, current technology, driver and medical training, mental health supports, uniform & equipment and transfers, as well as a number of emergency Motions that are worth mentioning, namely demanding:

- a full rollout of pursuit driver training and clear policy of such

- a separate Working Drivers Licence when using patrol vehicles plus a higher threshold for drivers when pursuit driving

- an agreed policy to target those issuing direct and personal threats online

A full list of the Motions passed are listed below.

The highlights on Day One of Conference included the Election of our new President Niall Hodgins from the DMRN who vowed ‘Equal Respect to all people’ as is our oath.

Let me be absolutely clear to you all. Any treatment of us, as a collective outside of ‘Equal respect’ will not go unchallenged by your President

Let me be absolutely clear to you all. Any treatment of us, as a collective outside of ‘Equal respect’ will not go unchallenged by your President he told Delegates. Johnjoe O’Connell from the Kildare Division Roads Policing Unit was elected Vice President, while Frank Thornton (Limerick) retained his position as Treasurer.

Following these Elections, an emotionally charged room gave a standing ovation to eight suspended members as two emergency Motions were passed by the floor. Seven Limerick gardaí who had been suspended and cleared stood on stage alongside their Divisional Rep Frank Thornton as he demanded a full independent inquiry into the handling of the Limerick investigation as well as the establishment of a full review of the current Suspension Policy with regards to the appeals process.

This was supported by his Westmeath colleague Mick Ryan, who told the personal story of a member in his Division that was suspended for over three years for lending a stolen bicycle to an elderly neighbour during Covid that became the ‘Bikegate’ case.

The Conference was then address by both Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, who both were attending our Annual Conference for the first time in their roles. Prior to their addresses, outgoing President Mark O’Meara said "The theme for this year's Conference is 

JUSTICE IN PRACTICE: Fair Rights, Fair Rates & Fair Treatment’ 

and we expect both the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner will listen to our concerns and show their support in real terms rather than soundbites."

The full presidential addresses are listed below.

The highlight of Day Two of ADC was the discussion and debate over a range of possible actions available to us during Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency from July 1st. This followed on from Motions that were raised at the Association’s Special Delegates Conference in February of this year, when it was agreed to focus on the EU Presidency in light of continued frustration within our Association of the lack of progress on the following key, outstanding issues:

- Solve the issues regarding Subsistence, Travel & CPI allowances
- The 1% pay increase that was due last September (Local Bargaining)
- A seat at the negotiating table for the upcoming National Pay Talks

"If these issues are not resolved in the coming weeks the Garda Representative Association will advise our members not to cooperate with the planning for, or the policing of, the upcoming EU Presidency and Irish Open Golf tournament," said President Niall Hodgins.

Overall, it was a highly emotional, yet extremely efficient and productive Annual Conference with many Motions passed and decisions on GRA policy and direction. We will continue to keep all members informed of progress over the weeks and months ahead.