In-Service Drug & Alcohol Testing For Garda Members Being Finalised.

Department of Justice is Finalising Regulations to Enable In-Service Drug and Alcohol Testing for Garda Members.

The Department of Justice has confirmed it is finalising regulations required to enable the testing of serving members of An Garda Síochána for drugs and alcohol. Once the regulatory framework is completed, it will be open to An Garda Síochána to implement an in-service testing regime.

The move follows continued focus on strengthening anti-corruption safeguards within the organisation, including recommendations set out in the Garda Síochána Inspectorate’s 2020 report on countering internal corruption.

The Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) has this week published a review of progress on the 2020 report’s recommendations, finding that 56% of the 34 recommendations have been implemented or partially implemented to date.

PCSA review highlights.
The PCSA noted progress in several key areas, including:

• The formation and resourcing of the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (GACU), and new policies addressing abuse of power for sexual gain and professional boundaries.
• A prohibition on acceptance of gifts or hospitality from covert human intelligence sources (CHIS).
• Strong support among members for reform measures, including in-service vetting (supported by 83% in a survey referenced by the PCSA).

The PCSA also highlighted areas where further action is needed, including the absence of a policy and supporting technology to detect and prevent misuse of Garda IT systems, and ongoing concerns regarding compliance with rules on gifts, hospitality and sponsorship.

Regulation drafting “complex” and at an advanced stage:
The Department of Justice has previously indicated that regulations underpinning an in-service drugs testing scheme are complex and require detailed consideration, and that drafting work is now at an advanced stage and expected to be finalised.

Engagement with Garda leadership:
The PCSA has said the review will be discussed at a public meeting between the Authority and the Garda Commissioner on today, (Thursday, 26th February 2026).