Gardaí Vote in Favour of Work-to-Rule Action During Ireland’s EU Presidency

28/10/2026

Est. Reading: 1 minute

More than 90% of rank-and-file gardaí who responded to a survey by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) have indicated they are prepared to take industrial action in protest over their working conditions.The survey found that 4,182 respondents, representing 94.2% of those who answered the first question, were willing to participate in a work-to-rule. A further 3,977 gardaí, or 93.6% of respondents to the second question, said they would be prepared to take the action during the remaining events of Ireland’s EU Presidency.

Approximately 45% of GRA members took part in the survey, with more than 4,000 gardaí responding to questions about their willingness to engage in industrial action and whether they would proceed with it during the Presidency.

The association has accused the Garda Commissioner and senior Garda management of violating the Working Time Agreement and the European Working Time Directive.

GRA General Secretary Ronan Slevin said the findings demonstrated the extent of frustration among rank-and-file officers over the alleged breaches.

He said the survey showed that members “have had enough and voiced their willingness to resist these breaches and show the Commissioner and senior Garda management that they have had enough”.

The results indicate strong support among participating members for a work-to-rule, including during the remaining events associated with Ireland’s EU Presidency.