Members Update June

Dear Member,

On the 2nd April 2025, the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan enacted the Conduct, Performance and Standards of Professional Behaviour Regulations 2025. As a result, the Garda Commissioner issued a number of interim policies required under these Regulations. Additionally, the Commissioner issued a Suspension Policy by way of HQ 18/2025, even though this policy is not agreed.

Under Part 31 of the Labour Court Recommendations 2016, “all existing conciliation and arbitration agreements and Garda Code instructions that relate to conditions of employment, remuneration and annual leave, including Garda Code (F) 10, shall remain in place unless otherwise changed by the agreement of the parties through the Conciliation and Arbitration mechanism or other legislatively prescribed mechanism”. The Commissioner’s action is a clear breach of this agreement.

Despite several attempts to engage with Senior Garda Management regarding the issuing of an unagreed policy, no further consultation has taken place. Additionally, I have lodged a dispute with the Chairperson of the Conciliation Council.

As a result of failing to progress this matter, on the direction of the CEC, I have written to the Garda Commissioner seeking the immediate withdrawal of this policy within seven days. I have also written to the Minister for Justice to inform him that the Commissioner has breached a National Pay agreement and that if the breach continues, the CEC will decide on what steps will be taken to ensure that our members’ terms and conditions are protected.

I will, as always, continue to keep you up to date on any developments.

Best Regards,

Ronan Slevin, General Secretary