I propose to take Questions Nos. 1296 and 1297 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, disciplinary matters within An Garda Síochána are governed by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) and the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations 2007, as amended by the Garda Síochána (Discipline) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I have no role in these independent functions.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the tables below sets out the number of Gardaí on suspension at the end of each of the years 2018 up to and including 2021; and the number of Gardaí that were suspended from duty on 31 December 2021 for 0 to 3, 0 to 6, 0 to 12, 0 to 18, 0 to 24, 0 to 36, 0 to 48 and in excess of 48 months.
I am further advised that it is not possible to provide the number of members by Division as this may identify individual members.
Year
|
Total number of members suspended at December 2018 up to December 2021
|
2018
|
37
|
2019
|
42
|
2020
|
67
|
2021
|
91
|
Suspended from Duty
|
No. of Gardaí on 31 December 2021
|
0-3 Months
|
15
|
3-6 Months
|
14
|
6-12 Months
|
12
|
12-18 Months
|
17
|
18-24 Months
|
16
|
24-36 Months
|
10
|
36-48 Months
|
4
|
In excess of 48 Months
|
3
|
Total
|
91
|
The total figure of 91 above includes 87 full-time Garda members and 4 Garda Reserve.
I am advised that in all cases where a member of An Garda Síochána is suspended, they are informed of the reason(s) for the suspension. The suspended member is informed of the availability of the Garda Employee Assistance Service and given contact details by a Liaison Officer. Upon suspension, the member is served with a notice which sets out the conditions attached to the suspension and the entitlements or otherwise of the suspended member.