Forgery and sexual offences among reasons for suspension of over 100 Gardaí - McEntee

Over 100 members of the Gardaí are currently suspended, the Minister for Justice has confirmed. 

Minister Helen McEntee confirmed the numbers during Parliamentary Questions last week (November 30) following a query submitted by Deputy Brendan Griffin. 

The deputy requested figures on Gardaí currently on suspension and a breakdown of reasons for suspension by division, as well as a statement on the matter. 

In response, the minister said, "As you 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. 

"However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy and have been advised that the table below sets out the current suspensions and core issues investigated by An Garda Síochána and the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission." 

According to the minister, 105 Gardaí (out of a total 13,940) are currently suspended, with 'perverting the course of justice' cited as the most common reason for suspension. 

She concluded: "I am also advised that a breakdown by Region/Division/District is not available due to data protection as it may lead to identification of individual members." 

The main reasons and core issues cited in the figures include perverting the course of justice (17 instances), road traffic/ DUI (14 instances), discreditable conduct (12 instances), sexual (10 instances), theft/forgery (9 instances). 

The figures in the table are reportedly accurate as of 29 November and may be subject to change.