Members of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) have voted overwhelmingly to reject a newly implemented expenses scheme, with 88.7% of responding members casting ballots against the measure, the association announced on Monday.

According to AGSI, the organization initially accepted the scheme on the understanding that it would reflect consensus reached during a six-year negotiation process, which included discussions before the Workplace Relations Commission. However, the association stated that serious concerns subsequently arose regarding Garda management's interpretation and proposed rollout of the agreement.

AGSI General Secretary Ronan Clogher stated that the dispute over expenses, combined with ongoing friction over working time agreements, points to a "serious deterioration in industrial relations within An Garda Síochána." The association has also raised concerns regarding alleged planned breaches of working time arrangements tied to major operational events.

The ballot results will be formally communicated to Garda management ahead of AGSI's special delegate conference scheduled for October, where delegates are expected to debate working conditions and industrial relations matters across the force.