AGSI Calls for Urgent Reform of Industrial Relations Framework and Announces Return to European Mechanisms
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) supports the concerns of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) around the ongoing failure of industrial relations processes within An Garda Síochána.
AGSI believes the current situation reflects a systemic breakdown in the internal industrial relations machinery, rather than any single unresolved claim. Matters such as the subsistence and travel scheme have been under discussion for more than six years without resolution, despite previous commitments by successive Ministers, and this delay demonstrates a process that is no longer functioning effectively.
AGSI has repeatedly raised concerns regarding these deficiencies directly with the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice, most recently on 26th January. A further meeting with the Commissioner is scheduled for 26th February. Despite these engagements, tangible progress has yet to materialise.
European ruling ignored
In 2013, the European Committee of Social Rights determined that Ireland was in breach of the revised European Social Charter following a complaint brought by the European Confederation of Police (EuroCOP) on behalf of the AGSI.
The Committee found that Ireland’s industrial relations framework did not provide Garda Associations with effective collective bargaining mechanisms or proportionate protections consistent with expected European standards.
More than a decade later, AGSI believes the structural deficiencies identified in that ruling remain evident.
In light of the continuing failure to meaningfully address these issues, AGSI will now return to European mechanisms seeking that the Irish Government comply with its obligations arising from the 2013 decision.
Structured reform
AGSI is clear, this is not about confrontation. It is about structure.
Where no regulated and recognised mechanism for industrial action exists, frustration risks manifesting itself in unstructured or “grey” forms of action. AGSI believes that if the 2013 European ruling had been meaningfully implemented, the current escalation could have been avoided.
Across Europe other police representative bodies operate within clearly defined industrial relations systems that provide regulated processes, safeguards for public safety, and protections for national security, while respecting members’ rights.
Ireland has yet to modernise its framework to that standard.
Call for leadership
AGSI is calling on the Garda Commissioner, the Minister for Justice and other arms of government such as The Department of Public Expenditure to demonstrate immediate and tangible leadership in restoring confidence in the industrial relations system within An Garda Siochana.
AGSI General Secretary Ronan Clogher described the current situation as avoidable.,
“What is required now is urgency, genuine engagement, and the implementation of established industrial relations protocols, which is the case in other European countries. Our members deserve a functioning industrial relations system, which in turn will ensure an effective Policing service which the public deserve.”
This issue will be central to discussions at AGSI’s Annual Delegate Conference in March. If meaningful progress is not evident by that stage, members will consider what further steps may be necessary.
