I can inform the Deputy that the Statutory Regulations that govern the operation of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) provide that the Annual Delegate Conference (ADC) must take place not later than May in any year.
The ADC of the GRA could not be held in the usual in-person format before the end of May 2020 due to the public health guidelines which were introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The GRA communicated with my Department during the course of 2020 in relation to the possibility of holding an ADC during the year, and the requirement for supporting Regulatory changes.
On foot of this, and in accordance with section 122 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Síochána (Associations) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 605/2020) were made by Minister McEntee on 8 December 2020. The Regulations provided, inter alia, for the ADC to be held in December 2020.
Correspondence between the GRA and my Department in this matter can be made available to the Deputy.