The purpose of this inspection by the Garda Inspectorate was to examine the effectiveness of An Garda Síochána at preventing, detecting and mitigating the threat of internal corruption. The Inspectorate’s report contained 34 recommendations, three of which were directed at the Department of Justice, one at the Department of Transport and 30 at An Garda Síochána.

The report made recommendations around strengthening anti-corruption measures and improving safeguards, including in the areas of:

• Professional boundaries
• The abuse of power for sexual gain
• Conflicts of interest/business interests
• Substance testing
• Vetting
• Discontinued court cases
• Operation of the statutory exemption from fixed charge penalties in emergency situations.

The implementation plan, which contains actions to address each of the 34 recommendations contained in the report, has been jointly prepared by the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána.

P.4 A number of recommendations have been identified as requiring legislative change and work is already underway to deliver on those recommendations. This includes but is not limited to:
Recommendation 7 – Substance Misuse – Legislation to support workplace drug testing was introduced as part of Garda Síochána (Functions and Operational Areas) Bill 2021, under Part 4 Section 30 by amendment of Section 122 of Act of 2005, in May 2022. The Department of Justice & An Garda Síochána are advancing the drafting of Regulations to accompany this legislation. The draft Regulations are currently under review by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.