AGSI issues stark warning ahead of Annual Delegate Conference
Minister Failing to Act, Operating Model Not Working, and Serious Concerns over New Conduct and Performance Regulations
Killarney, Co. Kerry – The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has warned that inaction by the Minister for Justice on key policing and Garda Industrial Relations issues is eroding morale and trust within An Garda Síochána. The warning comes as 158 delegates gather for the Association’s 47th Annual Delegate Conference in Killarney, Co. Kerry, under the theme Policing as a Business vs. The Business of Policing.
AGSI is deeply concerned that the Minister continues to ignore repeated warnings regarding the Garda Operating Policing Model, which every Garda staff association has stated is not working. Despite this widespread opposition, the government continues to expeditiously press ahead with implementing reforms that members believe are damaging the very fabric of frontline policing.
“Every member within An Garda Siochana and significant numbers of the public are aware that the policing model isn’t working and its introduction is having a negative effect on policing in this jurisdiction,” said AGSI General Secretary Ronan Clogher. “Who is the Minister listening to? It’s certainly not the Garda representative associations.
“The concerns of the AGSI have been clearly outlined to the Minister but appear to have been ignored with a notable absence of any corrective action. We read his daily press releases which noticeably make little mention of the issues affecting our members and are largely legislation focused”.
“The Minister’s public comments on the Policing Model are not reflective of what this Association has been telling him. It’s concerning given he only assumed the role a number of months ago, and does not bode well for the organisation for the next five years. We are worried.”
This year’s conference will place significant focus on the controversial new Conduct and Performance Regulations, which commenced on 2 April under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
AGSI has criticised the lack of consultation surrounding these regulations, which it describes as “the most sweeping change to Garda employment rights in a generation”. Concerns have been raised over the absence of training, the bypassing of standard industrial relations procedures, and the damaging effect these changes may have on morale and organisational culture.
“We are witnessing the introduction of what could be the most drastic change to our employment rights. Our membership feel like they are being treated like second-class citizens.” says Ronan Clogher. “These policies were implemented without any training or proper consultation, and now members have no voice in a process that significantly impacts their working lives. This comes at a time when members are stretched due to a retention crisis and prolonged recruitment deficits.”
The conference will debate 15 motions submitted by AGSI Branches, covering key issues such as recruitment and retention, online abuse, training deficits, the need for modern emergency equipment, and overall member wellbeing.
AGSI President Declan Higgins said: “The stakes feel higher than ever and so we will be seeking clear answers from the Minister and the Garda Commissioner this week in Killarney particularly around the new Conduct and Performance Regulations and the unworkable Operating Policing Model.
“Also of concern is the fact that Gardaí remain on 2009 travel and subsistence rates. Despite extensive negotiations and agreement in principle, government have failed to act on this.
“If we are to restore confidence and protect the integrity of the force among the public, we need leadership interested in workable solutions.”
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan is scheduled to address the conference this afternoon, with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris speaking tomorrow.
A panel discussion exploring the conference theme takes place this evening. The panel includes former Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan, journalist Alison O’Connor, Vice Chair of the Scottish Police Federation, Brian Jones, and Paul Curran, former AGSI President. They along with delegates will debate the implications of treating policing as a corporate enterprise rather than a public service rooted in community.
The conference concludes on Wednesday.
