Gardai have been told that they can’t wear their new uniform while attending court — and have to wear their old one instead because it’s more formal.
Our sister paper The Star has learned that officers have been told they cannot wear the long-awaited new Garda uniform while attending court cases – and they must instead wear their old shirt and ties to appear “formal”.
That is in spite of the years of planning and the massive €20 million cost of the new uniform, which is being rolled out among all gardai, sergeants and inspectors in the coming weeks.
Sources say gardai on the ground have been left “baffled” by orders from above, which have stated they cannot wear the new gear in court.
One source told how gardai will have to don the old shirt and tie before walking into a courtroom.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous. Gardai are in and out of the courts almost every day. They’re now asking them to change out of their gear and into the old uniform every time that happens?
“It’s nonsensical,” a source said.
And while gardai across the country have been issued with the new uniform, it is understood that it will not be “operational” until March 17.
When asked for comment, the Garda press office stated that the uniform wasn’t operational - and that the policy surrounding the wearing of it had not been published yet.
“The new uniform is not operational at this time. When the new uniforms are officially launched we will provide further details which is expected to be next month, March 2022,” a Garda spokesperson said.
The new uniform, which is being rolled out to over 13,000 gardai, features polo shirts, two-tone soft shell and waterproof jackets and operational trousers.
The new blue polo shirt replaces the traditional shirt and tie gardai wear.
But now it has emerged that despite its rollout, officers will be asked to wear the shirt and tie in court – because the polo isn’t formal enough.
The new uniform, which many gardai were hoping would replace the “archaic” old one, will cost €10 million to deliver and another €10 million over the five-year term of the contract.
This month, The Star revealed how the new uniform, which comes after years of calls for change, did get a mixed reaction from gardai on the ground — and sparked jokes and ‘memes’ online.
Speaking anonymously one member told us: “I think they’re awful. Did any guard on the regular have any involvement in this design?”
Another said: “The light blue polo shirt is horrendous. What’s wrong with navy? Cargo trousers with a crease?
“Two-tone jackets as well like unused seconds from Star Trek.”
Other joke images featured a Garda in the new uniform standing next to a Lego figure in similar dress - while another had a Garda face on top of a highlighter pen.
Some officers are understood to have complained that the uniform is “change for the sake of change,” while others labelled it as “cheap”, “tacky” and “just a cost saving exercise”.
But among others the new uniform has gone down well, with one member saying: “I was actually quite impressed. It’s smart, modern and of decent quality.
“It’s also pretty unique. You will see and recognise a guard and not mistake them for someone else.”
Meanwhile the Garda Representative Association (GRA) welcomed the move.
“While our members have yet to receive delivery of the new uniforms, the feedback from the divisions where it has been piloted has been positive,” President Frank Thornton said.
“GRA members have for years expressed dissatisfaction with both the quality and appearance of the existing uniform.
“What has been unveiled represents progress given that members will be wearing more comfortable, practical garments made from modern fabrics.
“While opinions on the appearance and the style of the uniform vary, ultimately it is when members wear the uniform that they will be able to make a more informed judgement.”
For the first time the official Garda crest will also appear on the uniforms.
Until now it has only appeared on the Garda hat.
This demonstrates “the respect held by An Garda Síochána for this unique symbol as we enter the 2nd century of policing in Ireland,” the Garda said in a statement.
The new uniform will incorporate recent changes to Garda policy which permit the wearing of headwear for religious and cultural reasons and beliefs including turban, kufi, topi, kippah or hijab.
The new uniform was developed by the ‘Uniform Committee’ in collaboration with gardai nationwide, the Garda Commissioner said on Sunday.
“We are all working to ensure that Ireland’s national police and security service remains best placed to meet the needs of an evolving society, and embracing this re-designed, modern uniform is a visual representation of a new era in policing,” Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said in a statement.
“It is my hope that in receiving this new uniform, it will further enhance your sense of pride in being a member of An Garda Siochana as you go about your day-to-day duties.”
