What is Fiosrú?
Fiosrú – Oifig an Ombudsman Póilíneachta (the Office of the Police Ombudsman) is an independent statutory body that deals with complaints from members of the public about Gardaí. It was established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which commenced on 2 April 2025, replacing the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).
Fiosrú can assess whether a complaint is within its legal remit and decide the appropriate response. Depending on the case, it may refer a matter for resolution, investigate it, or take other steps allowed by law. It can also investigate certain matters on its own initiative. It is not part of An Garda Síochána.
| Problem | Starting point |
|---|---|
| Conduct by a Garda that affected you or that you witnessed | Fiosrú |
| A crime or immediate danger | Call 999 or 112, or contact An Garda Síochána; a Fiosrú complaint does not replace emergency reporting |
| A claim for compensation for damage caused by Gardaí | Fiosrú does not decide compensation claims; get advice on the appropriate civil route |
| A complaint about a public service such as the HSE | The service’s complaints process, and potentially the Office of the Ombudsman |
Who can make a complaint, and when?
You can complain if you were directly affected by a Garda’s conduct or directly witnessed it. A person may complain for someone else with that person’s consent. Fiosrú may also consider a representative where the person cannot give consent, taking account of the representative’s relationship and suitability. A parent or guardian can complain for a child under 16; a young person aged 16 or over can complain on their own behalf.
The normal time limit is 12 months from the incident. Fiosrú may accept a late complaint where there is a good reason, so explain the delay clearly rather than assuming it is automatically excluded. Anonymous complaints are not accepted. Make a report promptly because video, records and witness recollections can become harder to obtain.
How to make a complaint to Fiosrú
- Submit the online complaint form on the Fiosrú website. You can also request a paper form by post or make a complaint at a Garda station; a complaint made to Gardaí must be passed to Fiosrú.
- Give the date, approximate time and location, what happened, and what the Garda did or did not do. Include a name, shoulder number, station or vehicle details if you know them, but not knowing a Garda’s name does not prevent you from reporting.
- Identify witnesses and preserve relevant material such as photographs, video, messages, medical records or contemporaneous notes. Explain any injury or treatment and include copies of relevant documents where possible.
- Keep a copy of your form and supporting material. If the incident was more than 12 months ago, include your reasons for the delay.
Fiosrú says it is experiencing delays in deciding whether complaints are admissible. It asks complainants to provide as much relevant information as possible. Its Access Officer can help with accessibility or practical needs; current contact details are on the Fiosrú website.
What happens after you complain?
Fiosrú first assesses whether the matter is legally admissible and within its remit. It may ask you for more information. If it decides it cannot deal with the complaint, it should notify you and give reasons; Fiosrú says you can ask for a review of an inadmissibility decision.
If accepted, the route depends on the facts and seriousness. Some complaints may be sent for resolution; others may be investigated by Fiosrú. An investigation may involve gathering records and evidence and speaking with people involved. The process and timing vary, and an investigation is not a finding that anyone is guilty. Fiosrú will keep complainants informed as the case progresses.
Information in your complaint may be shared with An Garda Síochána and the Garda member concerned where needed to handle or investigate it. Read Fiosrú’s privacy information before submitting sensitive material. If you believe a crime has occurred or someone is at immediate risk, report that separately to Gardaí or emergency services.
What Fiosrú cannot do
Fiosrú is a complaints and oversight body, not a court or a personal legal adviser. It does not decide a claim for compensation for damage to property, and it cannot guarantee a particular disciplinary or criminal outcome. Criminal prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions, based on the applicable process and evidence.
Fiosrú is accountable to the Oireachtas, but TDs do not decide the outcome of an individual complaint. For the wider system of scrutiny, see the guide to accountability bodies in Ireland.accountability bodies in Ireland.