Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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400. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who are currently suspended from duty; to provide a breakdown of how long they have been suspended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41081/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of full-time Gardaí who are suspended and the duration of their suspension to date.

Figures are as of 22 September 2023, are operational and subject to change.

*This figure does not include Garda Reserves.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is no maximum duration that a member of An Garda Síochána can be suspended for, as each case is different and has to be decided on its merits. Each suspension is reviewed on a regular basis for any changes in circumstances. Some members are before the courts and are awaiting dates for trials and therefore discipline investigations have to be put into abeyance, pending conclusion of the criminal proceedings. In other cases discipline investigations are ongoing or the case may be subject to a hearing before a Board of Inquiry or Appeal Board, which all impact on suspensions.

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.