Further update regarding impact of Garda Superintendent dispute

Starting July 2021, as a result of an industrial dispute, some Garda Superintendents and Chief Superintendents withdrew from work they consider outside their core duties.

Such duties include the investigation of complaints referred to them by GSOC under section 94 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005.

Section 94 investigations involve alleged breaches of discipline and do not include criminal allegations.  All criminal complaints continue to be investigated by GSOC.

In the normal course of events section 94 disciplinary investigations are required to be completed in a timescale of between 16 and 20 weeks. The withdrawal of some Garda Superintendents and Chief Superintendents from this work caused delays to the completion of some investigations within the statutory timelines.  These delays have been outside the control of GSOC.

GSOC was advised late last week by An Garda Síochána that work on progressing complaints under section 94 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 will now resume. GSOC has also been advised that An Garda Síochána has put in place measures to alleviate any backlog resulting from the dispute.

GSOC is hopeful that these investigations can now be progressed without further delay, and remains in contact with An Garda Síochána on the matter. GSOC also remains in contact with complainants as to the progress of their cases.

Please note that this industrial dispute is a matter entirely for Garda Management. GSOC, as an independent agency, is not a party to the dispute, and has no role in addressing it. Any queries regarding its current status should be directed to An Garda Síochána.

ENDS