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We address your most common queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
TAX RELIEF ON GRA SUBSCRIPTIONS
Question: How do I claim a Tax Credit for my GRA membership Subscription?
Answer: Those members who were serving at the time of the introduction
of Tax Relief on Trade Union Subscriptions in 2001 were automatically afforded this relief.
Members who have joined since 2001 can avail of a tax credit for their GRA membership subscription by simply phoning
their local Tax Office.
An annual flat rate allowance of €350 at the standard rate of tax 20% (tax credit €70) is available for
Trade Union subscriptions paid in 2009 and 2010. The full allowance is available annually regardless of the actual amount of the subscription paid. If you are/were a member of a Trade Union at
any time during 2009 or 2010 and you have not been granted relief for subscriptions made, you can phone your Regional LoCall number.
Increments for Educational Qualifications.
Question:
I am a Student-probationer at the Garda College. I held a third level degree prior to entry to an Garda
Síochána. My question is regarding the increments that I would be entitled to because of my degree. When would I be
entitled to these increments? How many increments am I entitled to? When do I apply?
Answer:
Those members who hold a Degree or Diploma from a recognised Third Level Institution (i.e recognised by
HETAC - within the 26 counties) prior to entry to an Garda Síochána are paid three additional increments. These are payable in addition to the following:-
One additional increment is payable in respect of members who attain one Grade 'B' and two Grade 'C' in 3 subjects
(which must include Maths and English or Irish) at Honours Level in the Leaving Cert.
These increments are paid on the successful completion of two years service in the Force. (i.e. 2 years after attestation you should apply for same).
These regulations are contained in the Garda Síochána Finance Code
(Note that increments are no longer paid to members who receive qualifications after joining the Force).
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Premium Payments - Phase 5 Training
Question: Members attested after June 2003 are receiving Premium Payments for Phase 5 Training in
Templemore. Members attested before then are not. Why is this?
Answer: The Association secured agreement in 2006 at the Garda Conciliation Council (Agreed Report No. 632) that
Premium Payments would apply for all members who commenced Phase 5 Training at the Garda College after 1st July
2003. It was not possible to secure arrears beyond the date the claim had been lodged - July 2003.
A.V.C.
Question: How do Changes in AVC Pension Schemes in the 2003 Finance Bill affect me?
Answer: In short, the recent Revenue changes announced in the recent Finance Bill may not affect your AVC (added
voluntary contributions) Pension Scheme whatsoever, based on your individual circumstances. Only a minority of
members will be affected at all by this Legislative change. However each case will have to be assessed individually. For
a free personal assessment please contact Ms. Liz Scaife at Penpro Insurances, Tel: 01 2000100
Complaint
Question: I have been advised of a Complaint. What do I do?
Answer: Contact one of our Panel of Solicitors or your Central Executive Committee Representative immediately, or contact the GRA Office.
Rosters
Question: I am attached to the D.M.R. I have been told my rostered Tour of Duty is being changed, but have not been given 14 days notice. What is the position ?
Answer: The requirement to give 14 days notice of a change of rostered tour of duty applies only “IN AREAS OUTSIDE OF
WHERE THE THREE RELIEF SYSTEM IS IN OPERATION” i.e. in areas outside the D.M.R., Cork, Limerick and Waterford (H/Q Circular 68/79 applies).
. If you are attached to either a 3-Relief or Flexi Unit in these areas, a change to your rostered tour of duty does not arise - regardless
of any notice given.
Question: I am attached to a Three-Relief Unit in the DMR. My rostered tour of duty next Monday is 2 pm to
10 pm. I have been directed to commence duty at 10 am. What do I do ?
Answer: Your District Officer is
entitled to direct you to perform duty, as required, at any time - irregardless of what your rostered tour is. However any time worked on that day in excess
of your rostered tour of duty is regarded and may be claimed as overtime. You cannot refuse to perform this tour of duty.
Temporary Transfer
Question: My claim for weekly return visits home from temporary transfer has not been approved. I am
advised that my claim was refused as I am single. What is the position ?
Answer
: The Garda Representative Association has agreed a claim at the Garda Conciliation Council: “That members
on Temporary Transfer may claim in respect of a weekly return visit to their permanent Station.” This is a change in the
current situation where only Married members were entitled to claim payment for return visits to their home.
This new Agreement recognises the position under the Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004, whereby employees
cannot be discriminated against at work on the grounds of their Marital Status. An amending Directive has issued in this respect.
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