GRA criticised for helping garda Trevor Bolger to challenge dismissal after being convicted of assaulting his wife

A former detective garda convicted of assaulting his then wife received a stay preventing his dismissal while a judicial review proceeds. The Garda Representative Association provided legal assistance through its Legal Assistance Scheme, with approval believed to have been granted nearly two weeks earlier. The funding decision was said to support the legal action because it raises procedural issues with wider implications for other officers. The ex-wife criticised the funding, questioning whether members were consulted and whether subscriptions were being used while people faced financial strain. She said she sought help during her own difficult separation and was unable to receive assistance. A source close to the association said it did not provide legal assistance for the officer’s criminal defence during the trial.

"Hours earlier, he went to the High Court, where he was granted a stay on his dismissal pending a judicial review of the Garda Commissioner's decision. A source close to the GRA confirmed it is providing "legal assistance" to Bolger for his judicial review. Bolger applied for the funding support through the GRA's Legal Assistance Scheme. The association's central executive committee is believed to have approved the application nearly two weeks ago."

"However, the source said the decision was taken to support Bolger in his legal action because his case raises important "procedural" issues that could have wider implications for other officers. Ms Loftus questioned the GRA's decision, saying: "Has the GRA canvassed its members? Do its members know that their weekly subscriptions to the organisation are being used at a time when people are at the pin of their collars?" "If the GRA was not funding this application, I don't believe it would be before the courts.""

"She said she asked the GRA for help when she was "embroiled" in a difficult separation, and the transfer she had sought to another division was unexpectedly cancelled. "It is ironic that I approached the GRA when I was going through a very difficult time, and it was unable to provide any assistance to me whatsoever," Ms Loftus said. A source close to the GRA said: "The GRA did not in any way provide legal assistance for his defence or in any other way during his criminal trial.""

Read at Irish Independent