Issue Date: 30th September 2021
An Garda Síochána has today published an addendum to its Protected Disclosures policy to further promote a supportive environment for employees to raise concerns of wrongdoing.
As part of the Government’s A Policing Service For Our Future plan, the Garda Commissioner has also nominated Transparency International (TI) Ireland as the specialist body to provide independent advice on Protected Disclosures to An Garda Síochána.
Garda personnel can now avail of a range of supports through TI Ireland’s Integrity at Work programme to aid the Protected Disclosures process including TI Ireland’s confidential Speak Up Helpline and access to free legal advice.
Speaking today, Commissioner Drew Harris said, "An Garda Síochána has developed this policy and related procedures to support a safe and ethical workplace that upholds the highest policing standards.
"We are encouraging Garda personnel to seek advice from TI Ireland and speak up against wrongdoing within our organisation by putting a structure in place where they can feel comfortable to do so. Anyone who reports wrongdoing can be assured that the concern will be treated seriously and thoroughly investigated where considered appropriate.
"Providing access to the most suitable, expert guidance and support from TI Ireland will enable Garda personnel to disclose or report their concerns of wrongdoing with greater confidence and ease.
Commissioner Harris added, "It is our aim that this will help strengthen the highest personal and professional standards of behaviour within the organisation, while enhancing public confidence in the policing service.”
All Garda personnel can currently make reports of wrongdoing in the workplace directly within An Garda Síochána, to GSOC and to the Minister for Justice. The Act provides for a worker to report relevant wrongdoing through a variety of persons as per S2.2 of An Garda Síochána’s Protected Disclosure policy, in accordance with the Protected Disclosures Act 2014.
