Gardaí and collective bargaining
Michael McNamara seeks legislation allowing gardaí full collective-bargaining rights and access to relevant labour bodies. The Taoiseach says the matter is not specific to gardaí and does not apply to the security or Defence Forces.
When will legislation be introduced to allow gardaí to engage fully in collective bargaining? The Garda Síochána Act 2005 introduced by the last Government does not allow gardaí-----
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Yes, Ceann Comhairle, on page 24 of the programme for Government.
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They would not need to if Deputy McNamara's Minister did not hit them the way he did.
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Page 24 of the programme for Government sets out that it will reform the current law on employees' rights to engage in collective bargaining to ensure compliance by the State with recent judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. Currently, gardaí cannot access the Labour Court and the Labour Relations Commission nor can they affiliate with ICTU in collective bargaining discussions.
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You have fallen out with the Minister, Deputy Howlin. He is not talking to you at all.
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Obviously, that has created considerable difficulties in recent negotiations.
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That is not specific to gardaí who have had the capacity over the years to have their case made and heard in discussions with Government. It is not an issue for the security forces or Defence Forces.
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Deputy McNamara must be coming under pressure with the penalty points.