Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has outlined a series of major reforms and improvements for frontline officers after being excluded for the second consecutive year from addressing the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association (GRA).
The message, originally circulated internally in February 2025, detailed what would have formed the basis of the Commissioner’s address to the GRA conference. However, the GRA’s Central Executive Committee decided not to invite Commissioner Harris, citing the views of both the Executive and the Gardaí they represent.
In his statement, Commissioner Harris highlighted a wide range of initiatives introduced to support Gardaí since he last addressed the conference.
Among those mentioned were a successful campaign to increase the maximum penalty for assaulting a peace officer including Gardaí, prison officers, and Defence Forces members, from seven to twelve years.
He also highlighted the need for the introduction of a new Garda roster, agreed following negotiations with Garda associations, and enhanced protective equipment and expanded public order resources, including stronger incapacitant spray and new public order vehicles.
Commissioner Harris also detailed the need for investment in Garda welfare and career development. He suggested that over 3,000 Gardaí be trained in mental health first aid, more open and transparent promotions system.
New and refurbished Garda stations.
Major investment in technology, including real-time command and control systems to enhance Garda safety.
Commissioner Harris emphasised that many of these reforms directly addressed concerns raised by Gardaí over the past several years.
Despite the GRA’s decision, he said he remained committed to engaging with all Garda staff associations. “I remain, as always, open to productive and fruitful engagement,” he stated.
The details of the Commissioner’s February message were released on Monday, April 28, by the Garda Press Office.