asked the Minister for Justice whether there are recognised procedures to be followed by members of the Garda Síochána in communicating with the Minister for Justice; if so, what are those procedures; whether it is permissible or usual for a garda on matters affecting his official duties to communicate or have a personal interview with the Minister for Justice without the knowledge of that member's superior officers; and whether it is considered misconduct to communicate or to endeavour to communicate with a higher authority without going through one's immediate superiors.
Written Answers. - Garda Communication Chain.
126.
It is contrary to the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations governing the conduct of members of the force, it is contrary to effective and proper administration and it is contrary to established practice for individual members of the force to communicate or attempt to communicate with anyone in matters relating to their duties or Garda administration except through the recognised channels of their superior officers or the representative bodies.