Mark Ferris

Garda Representative Association (G.R.A.) - Central Executive Committee, member: Dublin West

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

These are exceptionally serious matters and they demand real expertise and operational experience from those tasked with dealing with them. Lived experiences from survivors matter.
The ‘significant powers of Gardaí’ adage is often used as justification for ever‑expanding oversight structures, but in 2026 the focus now needs to shift to 'When and How' those powers are used not just they exist and whether oversight is proportionate to that actual reality. The risk of disproportionate oversight is real and if the balance is wrong, it undermines both frontline confidence and, consequently, effective policing.

https://t.co/vYhwcZ8Yv9

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

Cases like this highlight, yet again, how far our bail system is from being genuinely risk‑based. When individuals with a history of serious violence can move in and out of bail with such ease, the public and frontline Gardaí are left carrying all the risk. The time to introduce proper bail‑monitoring tools including electronic tagging and much tighter supervision of high‑risk offenders is now.

[Crime World @crimeworld_com]

Gardai probing murder of ‘innocent soul’ Qayyum Balogun search Airbnb in Dublin 4 https://t.co/2QUZHAa6iV

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

Thoughts with my PSNI colleagues after yet another incident where a vehicle is used as a weapon against police. Incidents like this are happening far too often. Is violence against police becoming an epidemic? It is at least encouraging to see such a serious response in the form of an attempted murder arrest, charging and being brought swiftly before the courts.

[RTÉ News @rtenews]

A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident in Northern Ireland in which a police officer was seriously injured https://t.co/Tzzq6usdS9

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

https://t.co/Xcerlcn0KS

“The figures come just weeks before Ireland takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1.”

As I’ve said before these CSO earnings figures are published every quarter, they didn’t just fall out of the sky today, everyone in Government and the media knows that. It’s yet another strategically‑placed ‘Garda pay’ piece landing at the exact moment we are in open disagreement on a myriad of issues including that members are still awaiting the 1% pay rise due on the 1st September 2025. This wont be lost on frontline members. The public understand the reality of the job and the pressures coming with the EU Presidency, they won’t be easily swayed by selective headlines.

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

The silence from @FiosruOmbudsman on this very serious matter is deeply concerning. The rebranded ombudsman is always quick to issue strong public statements about alleged Garda misconduct, but if @gardarep members are to have any trust and confidence in the fairness and basic capability of this organisation it must now address these delays and failures openly and issue a clear public statement without further delay.

[The Irish Times @IrishTimes]

Investigation into complaints against ex-garda Paul Moody faced delays, ombudsman says https://t.co/92mXCupdim

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

This case goes way beyond one horrific incident. It speaks to a deeper problem where violent offenders with long histories of targeting Gardaí and others move repeatedly through bail, suspended sentences and early release and still have the opportunity to leave an off‑duty colleague @gardarep for dead in the city centre. When that keeps happening, it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that the system is not yet treating violence against Gardaí @GardaTraffic as the red‑line issue it needs to be.

[Robin Schiller @robin_schiller_]

Violent criminal with 100 previous convictions who left off-duty garda for dead in Dublin city centre attack is jailed for nine years

https://t.co/7KcHO1OYkH

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

As I’ve said numerous times, Grace’s Law is only as strong as the training, legal protections and support that sit beneath it. Right now those supports are not in place. Gardaí being asked to police an extremely dangerous scrambler problem without the tools and safeguards we need. This wont change until that does.

[Padraig O'Reilly Photojournalist @padraig_reilly]

The introduction of ‘Grace’s Law’ is not having any affect on Dublin’s Sean MacDermott Street.Introduced in response to the tragic death of Grace Lynch who was killed by a https://t.co/h5HeUql1Z0 recent weeks the street has probably become the most lawless in the country

[An Garda Síochána @GardaTraffic]

The latest Garda recruitment competition is now live!

Interested candidates have just over three weeks to apply - until 3 June 2026.

Apply here on https://t.co/DQhmKQ5wjc
#ItsAJobWorthDoing

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

Ireland’s population up by a million since 2006, but Garda numbers barely moving is shocking, but to us,@gardarep not surprising. The demand on frontline members in urban areas is stark. Heading into the EU Presidency the risk of burnout, which is already the daily reality for many, is now a greater hazard.!!

[Irish Independent @Independent_ie]

Ireland’s population is up by a million since 2006, so why have garda numbers barely changed? https://t.co/0Uzuz78XAM

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

Very concerning PAC findings on Garda non‑public finances today. I expect the @ PCSA to hold senior management fully to account and the companies who aren’t paying up should be named. High standards must apply right across the board, not just to frontline Gardaí on the ground.

[Niall O’Connor @NiallJournal_ie]

A report into garda financial management has raised concerns about money going unspent in its budget and how there is a risk that the State could be inadvertently funding commercial events such as concerts.
https://t.co/ZXhNcAKtHi

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

For years I warned that rebranding pursuit policy without law, training or protections would end in disaster.

Grace Lynch tragically died and a young Garda in Dublin is off the road. Limerick detectives and “bike‑gate” all happened on the same watch.

My full piece on how we got here: https://t.co/aLHXIohoKu

[GRA @gardarep]

Our thoughts tonight are with the Garda members injured while on duty in Monaghan today when their vehicle was rammed by a driver who then left the scene. A very stark reminder of the dangers our members may face on a daily basis #GRARep #InjuredOnDuty

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

Two stories, same day.

1. “€225m in allowances” , with the old implication that Gardaí are being showered with extras.
https://t.co/G5QMzKUS0f

2. Frontline numbers down 5% since 2020, 40% of stations with fewer Gardaí, 63 stations with no dedicated member.
https://t.co/fkkZCU24ga

The allowances line just doesn’t wash when set beside a hollowed‑out frontline @kenfoxe

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

Yesterday showed us the hard truth about ‘Grace’s Law’, the State is still more willing to put a Garda off the road than to give us the training, legal cover and support needed to get scramblers off our streets. That has to change.

Outrage as Garda banned over chase — while key witness previously caught with stolen bike https://t.co/6FpEznOMZT

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

Out of respect for the ongoing legal process, I’m not going to comment on the specifics of this case. But what i will say is this, what happened is exactly what I’ve been warning about for a long time. Frontline Gardaí are being asked to tackle highly dangerous scrambler crime without specialist pursuit training, legal protections or clear policies. This judge himself said there are 'policing situations where extreme driving skills were required'. Right now, theres none.

[Irish Independent @Independent_ie]

Garda in Dublin scrambler chase gets driving ban as ‘Grace’s law’ due to come into force https://t.co/qV0Z5wj56Z

[Jason Plunkett @jasonjplunkett]

I am appealing on behalf of @MeathGAA & @StUltansGFC GAA Club regarding a fundraising appeal established in the past 24 hours to support Sharon Ball, who requires urgent life-saving brain surgery.
GRMA
@gaaleinster @OffMeathCamog @meathladiesMLGF

https://t.co/c8tm8SexGL

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

Valid and very important points raised by @PCSA_Irl but we still have cases of Garda recruits entering Templemore and even starting on duty in stations before even basic vetting is complete. Let’s get the basics right first.

Concerns raised over absence of drug testing for gardaí https://t.co/m8NqVSNzbD via @rte

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

Strange how, when @gardarep are in a dispute over pay and conditions, we suddenly see headlines about us working the ‘most paid hours’ in the public sector off data thats released QUARTERLY! Those hours are driven by chronic understaffing and overtime to cover that. @ammowalsh

Gardaí work most paid hours in the public sector, CSO figures reveal https://t.co/xCiHobWJEf

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

Very significant development @rte

This is exactly what I’ve been consistently calling for, in the media and within @GardaTraffic & @gardarep

https://t.co/7IZIL1r5HH

I’m glad that the concerns I’ve been raising on behalf of frontline members are finally being acknowledged at the highest level, now the focus has to be on delivering real training, clear policy and proper protections.

Kelly 'looking at' e-scooter pursuit training for gardaí https://t.co/IX8bSptxfM via @rte

[Mark Ferris @MFerris11]

The motion’s before Conference were debated and its positive that delegates backed them. Our members have been clear with us for a long time, I hope the strength of today’s mandate is respected and acted on by all sides.

[Niall O’Connor @NiallJournal_ie]

Garda group to take industrial action during St Patrick's Day events (via @thejournal_ie) https://t.co/IpeNsw0qN8