Labour Court recommends €5,000 for Garda suspension-policy breaches

The Labour Court recommended that An Garda Síochána pay a worker €5,000 after finding it had not followed several parts of its suspension policy. The recommendation was dated 7 October 2025, after the employer’s appeal. The worker was suspended after helping a colleague restrain an assailant. Criminal charges against him were dismissed in May 2023, and he returned to duty. The Garda Representative Association, representing the worker, argued the suspension had lasted too long and the employer had breached its policy. An Garda Síochána said it had complied with the policy and had the right to suspend staff. The Court found the worker had not been told why he was initially suspended, monthly meetings with a liaison officer were not held, and he was not notified of internal vacancies. It recommended €5,000 in full and final settlement of the matter.