The JGRB and the Representative Body for Guards From 1927 to 1962, Garda members were represented for limited purposes by a Joint Garda Representative Body (JGRB); this body was criticised as dominated by senior officers and unable to secure needed changes in conditions of work. After a major and unauthorised meeting of hundreds of rank-and-file Gardaí at the Macushla Ballroom in Dublin, a chain of events led to the establishment by the then Minister for Justice,
Charles Haughey, of three new representative bodies, divided by rank, including the Representative Body for Guards (RBG). It was also permitted to form an executive committee of three, and to apply to the Garda Commissioner for permission to request a subscription from members. The three bodies could, and were required to if requested by the Garda Commissioner, form a temporary joint representative body.
1978 reconstitution - the GRA Following a number of episodes, the three 1962 representative bodies were replaced by four new associations, including the Garda Representative Association. Unlike the previous body, the GRA is constituted as an independent unincorporated association, albeit it is required to comply with the provisions of the establishing regulations. In July 2023, the GRA announced that rank-and-file Gardaí would be balloted on a motion of no-confidence in the Garda Commissioner over roster disputes. Commissioner
Drew Harris stated that regardless of the outcome of the vote, he would not be leaving his position. The vote was passed with 98.7% voting in favour and 1.3% against. ==References==