A petition has been launched by Gardaí dissatisfied with the way the Garda Representative Association (GRA) has handled controversial impending disciplinary and conduct regulations, and who say that they will “withdraw [their] subs to the GRA should this see the light of day”.
The petition, which has been signed by over 230 people thus far, says that “the single biggest change to our employment rights is imminent” and questions why the GRA is “in negotiations to agree to destroy what little rights we had”.
The contentious Conduct, Standards of Professional Behaviour, and Performance and Attendance Regulations were due to come into effect in December 2024.
The Department of Justice agreed to defer its implementation to March of this year.
Elements of the new regulations, such as provisions that would allow civilian garda staff to impose sanctions on attested members of the force and the composition of a new garda board which will have control over disciplinary matters have proven sticking points with rank-and-file gardaí and the GRA.
However, some members of the GRA have taken issue with its role in negotiations, claiming that “we pay them to represent our interests as Gardai. They are not”.
“The conduct and performance regulations 2024 strips us all of our right to due process and gives Management unchecked power . It is the biggest erosion of employee rights in the history of the State,” the petition’s author states, criticising the GRA as having been “anonymous and found totally lacklustre” in negotiations about the regulations.
“They have not acted urgently or with any degree of seriousness since this became an issue. It’s time we were represented robustly,” it reads, encouraging paid members to sign the petition so as to “state that you will withdraw your subs to the GRA should this see the light of day”.
Asked for comment on the petition by Gript, a spokesperson for the GRA said that the organisation is “aware” of the petition.
“We are aware of the petition which reflects our members’ frustrations and concerns with the impending Conduct Regulations,” they said.
“We are continuing to engage with the Department of Justice on this matter and will inform our members of any important developments.”