The ability to deal with gardai who abuse their power for sexual gain was among concerns raised in a new watchdog report.
Dealing with conflicts of interest, members' interactions with journalists and drug use were other worries disclosed in the Garda Inspectorate’s Report on Countering the Threat of Internal Corruption.
Commissioner Drew Harris has welcomed the findings, saying that it is vital the force has robust anti-corruption structures, strategies and processes.
"Our personnel rightly take great pride in their professional, ethical and human rights focused approach to policing," he said.
"Strong anti-corruption measures help support all Garda personnel. There is no room in An Garda Síochána for anyone who engages in corruption and whose standards fall below what the public and I expect from Garda personnel. Our integrity as an organisation is not negotiable.
"Such measures also help keep people safe. It is an unfortunate reality that experience has shown us that a small number of Garda personnel have abused their position of trust for their own gain.
"These individuals put themselves before the needs of the communities we serve and their colleagues, and in doing so damage individuals and the reputation of An Garda Síochána.”
A number of measures are currently being implemented to strengthen An Garda Siochana's capabilities in such areas.
It is hoped that such measures will enhance public confidence and trust with the force.
Such changes include:
- The appointment of a Deputy Commissioner for Strategy, Governance & Performance as the Senior Police Leader with responsibility for governance and oversight of counter corruption practices/activities
- The establishment of the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (GACU) in November 2020 which will promote integrity and professionalism in An Garda Síochána through the prevention, identification and, when necessary, the investigation of corruption
- A Strategic Threat and Risk Assessment of Corruption in An Garda Síochána, which has now been completed
- A number of policies and procedures have been introduced to mitigate against organisational risks identified in this Strategic Threat and Risk Assessment
- Policies on Anti-Corruption; Substance Misuse (Controlled Drugs); and Professional Boundaries and Abuse of Power for Sexual Gain will be published in the near future
- The implementation of a Governance Framework to inform corporate decision making on counter corruption priorities
- Agreement with an independent, third-party service provider to provide an integrity reporting line for Garda personnel wishing to report wrongdoing in the workplace
- Any members of the public wishing to make a complaint about members of An Garda Síochána can continue to do so through the usual channels including to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC), and
- Internal communications to inform Garda personnel about the work of the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit and to support counter corruption activities have commenced and will continue.
