The Garda Representative Association has put the Justice Minister in a ‘difficult position’ at its annual meeting, the Taoiseach has claimed.

The organisation’s annual conference is currently underway in Westport, County Mayo. 

Following a vote by members, the GRA decided not to invite Drew Harris - amid continuing unhappiness among the rank and file at his performance as Garda Commissioner. 

In response, Helen McEntee announced she too would not attend the event. 

Speaking on his way into Cabinet this morning, Taoiseach Simon Harris defended her decision.

“Gardaí, of all people, know that the way you de-escalate any dispute is by engagement”.

The @GardaRep put Justice Minister Helen McEntee in a “difficult situation” with Garda Commissioner snub - Taoiseach.

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) April 23, 2024

“I do think the Minister for Justice was put in a very difficult situation because I think it was unfortunate that the Garda Commissioner wasn’t invited,” he said. 

“Dialogue is really important and I must say there’s been a lot of issues at the GRA… raised around rosters and the like that [and] huge progress has been made on in recent weeks. 

“I think that Gardaí, of all people, know that the way you de-escalate any dispute is by engagement, is by dialogue.

“I think it’s regrettable that the GRA took the decision that they took but I respect that.” 

Simon Harris and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Image: Leon Farrell/RollingNews

Mr Harris added that Gardaí have a “tough job” and they have his “absolute respect” for the work they do. 

He also promised the Government would continue to work closely with them on a wide variety of issues. 

“The extent of Government engagement with the Gardaí isn’t defined by attendance or not at a conference,” he said. 

“Even last week, we were discussing issues at Cabinet that will help Gardaí, help support Gardaí in their tasks. 

“The roll out of body cams from next month is a very practical example of how we want to help support the Gardaí.” 

Gardaí outside Leinster House. Alamy.com

Following the decision not to invite Drew Harris to the GRA conference, a spokesperson for the Comissioner said it meant he would not be able to "address the concerns of the GRA and its membership" in person. 

As such, he noted that the independent Policing Authority’s report had found a sense of “frustration rather than low morale” among the force. 

He also underlined the report's conclusion that Gardaí do not feel “concern” about the issue of retention in the force with the resignation rate at 1% - below the international average of 10%. 

The spokesperson also included recent remarks from Commissioner Harris in which he conceeded An Garda Síochána has some "highly demanding challenges to face" but also emphasised the importance of "working together in a spirit of mutual respect [and] collegiality".

Main image: Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo