Minister wrong to boycott GRA Conference – Matt Carthy TD
28 April 2025
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Matt Carthy TD said the Minister for Justice is wrong to boycott the annual conference of the Garda Representatives Association (GRA).
Deputy Carthy said it was clear that the Garda Operational Model needs to be reviewed and that the Minister should listen to what Gardaí have to say on this key matter.
Teachta Carthy said:
“Minister Jim O’Callaghan is wrong not to attend the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association (GRA). Nothing will be improved or resolved by the Minister for Justice boycotting the GRA conference.
“Right now, the public is really concerned about the lack of garda visibility and community safety. We need the Minister for Justice working with the Gardaí to ensure these issues are addressed. We need a clear plan for putting more gardaí, including community gardaí, on our streets.
“The GRA and other Garda associations have raised some very serious concerns about the current operating model. It is a real mistake for the Minister not to attend this week’s conference and listen to what the Gardaí have to say on this issue.
“When the three-county divisional model was introduced Sinn Féin raised real concerns about the size of new Garda divisions. It is now time to review that model, particularly in light of concerns about its impact on the ability of the gardaí to do their job and the concerns about its impact on the policing of rural communities.
“All of the challenges faced by An Garda Síochána are made worse by the fact that there are too few Gardaí. Under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael garda numbers have declined at a time when the population of the state has increased. Until steps are taken to increase the training capacity in an Garda Síochana this issue will not be sorted.
“To ensure communities are getting the policing services they deserve we need to address the lack of gardaí and we need to ensure that the garda operating model is fit for purpose. We need a Minister for Justice that will listen to communities about their needs and that will work with the Gardaí to deliver better policing services for all communities.”
