GRA’s snub to Commissioner understandable – Government haven’t addressed real concerns.
- Garda exodus continues unchecked
Labour’s Justice Spokesperson Alan Kelly TD has called on the Government to take urgent action following the Garda Representative Association’s (GRA) decision not to invite the Garda Commissioner to their annual conference For the second year in a row. This extraordinary move highlights the growing frustration among rank-and-file Gardaí and the Government’s failure to address serious issues within the force.
Deputy Alan Kelly said:
“The Government should be asking why Gardaí feel so abandoned that they won’t even invite their own Commissioner to their conference. The reality is clear – there is a deep disconnect between frontline Gardaí and the top brass, and it’s the public who are suffering as a result.
“We know that recruitment and retention in An Garda Síochána is in crisis. More Gardaí are leaving than are being recruited. The force is stretched thin, and communities across Ireland are feeling the impact. On top of this, we’re hearing shocking reports of Gardaí being left without cars and basic equipment. How can we expect them to do their job effectively when they’re not given the tools or support they need?
“Government inaction on this issue is putting public safety at risk. The numbers don’t lie – Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have failed repeatedly on Garda recruitment. We need more Gardaí on the beat, not buried under layers of administration. One simple solution would be to recruit more civilian staff to free up trained Gardaí from unnecessary paperwork.
“There has also been zero progress on improving working conditions for Gardaí. For years, Labour has been saying that the €354 weekly training allowance is wholly inadequate. How can we expect new recruits—many with mortgages, rent, and family commitments—to survive on that? This is a major deterrent to joining the force, and it needs to change.
“Every day, frontline Gardaí are telling us they feel unheard, unsupported, and overworked. The Government must listen. The decision by the GRA to snub the Commissioner is a wake-up call – one that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael can’t afford to ignore.
“It’s time for real action. The Government must stop the exodus of experienced Gardaí, tackle the recruitment crisis head-on, and ensure that those protecting our communities have the resources and support they need. Public safety is too important for empty promises and political spin.”