Policing Authority has 'full' confidence in Garda Commissioner
The Policing Authority said in their most recent statement that they “warmly welcomed that decision” and said that Commissioner Harris has made a “strikingly significant impact” on the Garda Síochána since his appointment.
Almost 99% of gardai who voted in the ballot on Wednesday, September 13, organised by the Garda Representative Association (GRA), expressed no confidence in the Commissioner Drew Harris.
The GRA issued 10,803 ballots, of which 9,129 were returned as valid votes. Of those, 9,013 voted no confidence in Mr Harris, with 116 voting confidence in him.
The Government extended Commissioner Harris’s period of appointment in February 2022.
In the context of the recent vote by the GRA, the Authority affirms that Commissioner Drew Harris continues to have the “full and unwavering confidence” of the Policing Authority: “The key concern for the Authority is the need to ensure that the service delivered to the public is effective and meets its needs,” the statement read.
“There are challenges which the Garda Commissioner and his team, and indeed, all levels within the Garda workforce are focused on resolving in the interests of policing and the people.”
The Authority has addressed issues in frequent engagements with the Commissioner and those matters – including that of the Garda Roster - are to be further discussed in a meeting with the Commissioner on September 28, according to them.
“It is important to note that a vote of confidence doesn’t advance any of these issues,” the statement reads regarding the frequent engagements with Commissioner Harris.
“Rather, their resolution is more appropriately found through the industrial relations structures that have been established for such purposes.
“The Authority looks forward to continuing to work closely and productively with the Garda Commissioner, while discharging its statutory oversight duties,” it concludes.