In 2025, a total of 149 members of An Garda Síochána were found to have breached discipline rules and were fined a combined €96,727 by their employer, reports Breaking News.
New figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show the highest individual fine imposed on a Garda last year was €9,858, reports Breaking News.
The total fines of €96,727 issued to 149 members in 2025 compare with €91,500 issued to 155 members in 2024.
The FOI data outlines that breaches in 2025 included neglect of duty, discreditable conduct, discourtesy, and misconduct towards fellow officers, reports Breaking News.
The figures also show that 42 Garda members were suspended last year, more than double the 18 suspensions recorded in 2024.
According to separate data from An Garda Síochána, 98 members were suspended as of March 1, representing under 0.7% of the total force of 14,529 members, reports Breaking News.
The breakdown of suspensions included 16 cases linked to alleged sexual assault or sexual misconduct, 17 involving alleged driving under the influence, 10 relating to alleged domestic violence or coercive control, and nine involving alleged assault causing harm.
A further eight suspensions were linked to alleged corruption or criminal association, 11 to alleged theft, forgery or dishonesty, and two to alleged interference with fixed charge penalty notices, reports Breaking News.
Commenting on the rise in suspensions, General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), Ronan Slevin, said the union was “deeply concerned” about the increase and had raised the issue with Garda management.
He said that while suspensions are sometimes necessary, there have been instances of a “suspend first, ask questions later” approach being used as a disciplinary tool, reports Breaking News.
He added that some members who were later exonerated still experienced isolation, stigma, and reputational damage during lengthy suspensions, with serious impacts on mental health and wellbeing.
The GRA has called for an independent inquiry into suspensions in Limerick and a full review of the suspension and appeals process, reports Breaking News.
The association said an independent review mechanism is essential for restoring confidence in disciplinary procedures.
In response, an An Garda Síochána spokeswoman said the force does not comment on third-party remarks but emphasised that the vast majority of Garda members act in a professional and ethical manner, reports Breaking News.
“However, there are times, when in order to maintain public trust, it is necessary to suspend gardaí subject to disciplinary investigations. The starting point for any suspension is an allegation or detection of alleged criminal conduct or alleged misconduct against a member of An Garda Síochána. Suspension is a devolved function to Assistant Commissioner, Governance and Accountability,” reports Breaking News.
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