AGSI will not join GRA work-to-rule action next week

Updated / Friday, 6 Nov 2026 21:12

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has said it will not join a work-to-rule next week which is being planned by the Garda Representative Association (GRA).

Members of the GRA are to engage in five days of work-to-rule action coinciding with two major EU Presidency meetings of leaders in Dublin.

The association has accused Garda management of being in breach of working-time agreements and of continued over reliance on enforced overtime.

Garda management have denied being in breach of agreements and the Garda Commissioner has said that overtime would soon be reduced after forthcoming major events.

The AGSI National Executive met today to consider whether to engage in the work-to-rule.

"We fully understand the frustration which has led the GRA to announce a work-to-rule," the AGSI said in a statement.

"However, having considered AGSI's responsibilities to its members, the public, the State and the disturbing incidents involving national media and airlines over the past few days, the National Executive has decided that AGSI will conduct their duties as per the managerial plans for next week," it added.

The AGSI criticised garda management's handling of the current dispute and said trust has been fundamentally broken.

The association said the operational plans, as currently drafted, breach members’ working time entitlements.

"AGSI members will continue to report for duty and comply with lawful operational directions," said AGSI President, Declan Higgins.

"However, we are asking members to report working-time breaches, excessive duty periods, inadequate rest arrangements and related concerns to Garda management and an AGSI representative," Mr Higgins said.