The Association was established in 1978 under the terms of the Garda Siochana Act 1977 and the Garda Siochana (Associations) Regulations 1978 . The Association has 31 branches, organised at divisional level, covering all parts of the country and specialised sections. AGSI provides effective representation through its Branch Secretaries and Branch Committees and at National level through the National Executive and Head Office staff.