Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly stated that determining the number of serving officers with criminal convictions would require a "disproportionate amount of time and resources" as the information is "not held centrally." This response to a query from Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh has raised concerns about transparency and oversight within An Garda Síochána.
Deputy Conway-Walsh described the commissioner's explanation as "deeply concerning," emphasizing that the public deserves reassurance that officers handling their cases have not been convicted of similar offenses. She added that if the state cannot account for such information, it indicates a "serious failure of oversight."
The issue was further highlighted by the experience of former garda Margaret Loftus, who reported "systemic and institutional shortcomings" after being assaulted by her husband, who was also a garda, in 2012. Conway-Walsh asserted that transparency in policing should be a given and called on the Minister for Justice to clarify whether current laws and disciplinary processes are adequate to ensure officers with criminal convictions are not fit to serve.
Conway-Walsh previously stated that public confidence is eroded when gardaí with criminal convictions are permitted to continue their service. She reiterated the expectation that law enforcement officers should adhere to the law themselves. The TD is awaiting responses to her questions directed to the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner regarding the number of serving officers with criminal convictions.
An Garda Síochána declined to comment on remarks from third parties. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice noted that the collation of crime statistics is handled by the Central Statistics Office and conviction data by the courts. The spokesperson also pointed to revised Conduct Regulations introduced in April 2025, which provide a statutory framework for addressing misconduct. Additionally, Section 51 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act empowers the Commissioner to dismiss a garda if their continued service would undermine public confidence, a provision that strengthens the Commissioner's ability to act in the public interest, subject to statutory procedures and safeguards.