An Garda Síochána flagged nine disciplinary referrals for unauthorised media comments between January 2024 and mid-September, figures obtained by The Journal show.
Garda Representative Association Raises Alarm Over Disciplinary Referrals
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) stated it is “extremely concerned” that its members could face silencing through the threat of disciplinary action. The association, which represents rank-and-file gardaí, confirmed it was asked to attend a meeting at Garda Headquarters regarding its media engagement.
According to Freedom of Information Act figures released to The Journal, the organisation made nine disciplinary referrals for unauthorised media comments between January 2024 and mid-September. The response did not specify how many individual gardaí were involved or if the cases progressed to full disciplinary investigations or resulted in sanctions.
Dispute Follows Patrol Car Ramming Incident
That matter concerned comments reported in the Irish Times following an incident where two gardaí were injured when their patrol car was rammed.
The GRA argues that its elected representatives must remain free to address issues affecting the members who elected them. A GRA spokesperson said the organisation would vehemently defend its rights to represent members during the upcoming meeting at Garda Headquarters.
Garda Headquarters Media Policy Constraints
An Garda Síochána states that its press office is the only part of the organisation authorised to provide information about garda activity to the media. The organisation’s Code of Ethics prohibits improperly conveying garda information to the media or third parties.
The code requires staff to support colleagues who speak up in accordance with the law and the code. Garda management wrote to the GRA in September addressing its media policy while stating that it respected the mandate of garda representative associations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garda Media Policies
What triggers a disciplinary referral for media comments?
An Garda Síochána referred individuals for making unauthorised comments to the media, noting its Code of Ethics prohibits improperly conveying garda information to the media or third parties.
How many disciplinary referrals were made between 2024 and September?
An Garda Síochána made nine disciplinary referrals over unauthorised media comments between January 2024 and mid-September, according to Freedom of Information figures obtained by The Journal.
What triggered the recent dispute between management and the GRA?
A senior GRA representative faced an internal assessment following public comments reported in the Irish Times regarding garda safety after a patrol car ramming incident.
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