Garda representative negotiations
Senator Leyden supports Garda representatives protesting outside Leinster House, criticises the absence of negotiations and the failed arbitration process, and urges ministerial engagement.
Members of the Garda Representative Association, GRA, are outside the gates of Leinster House today. They have a legitimate grievance and a realistic expectation that the matter will be resolved. Gardaí are providing security for the State and they have sacrificed many members in the history of the State. They had no alternative but to assemble outside Leinster House today to plead for recognition of their position in negotiations.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has refused to meet the legitimate representatives of the 10,500 members of An Garda Síochána in this country. It is an arrogant approach from a newly appointed Minister. I ask the Leader to ensure the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform meets representatives of the Garda Representative Association, GRA, to discuss the situation regarding the implementation of the Haddington Road agreement, which has been breached by the Government, and the situation regarding negotiations.
Comment on this
An arbitrator was appointed, namely, Mr. Ray McGee, formerly of the Workplace Relations Commission, but he resigned without coming to any conclusions. The GRA engaged with Mr. McGee but he left his position and nobody has replaced him or entered into negotiations with the Garda Síochána. The Minister made it clear yesterday that the Lansdowne Road agreement is essential and that we need people to remain within it. He said every effort will be made to deal with the current obstacles which the GRA considers are in place.
I urge the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to meet the legitimate, elected representatives of the Garda Síochána in this country, men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect this State. We face a dangerous situation in that gardaí feel there is no other alternative for them but to stand outside Leinster House to plead to be heard. I ask this House to support me in requesting the Ministers to meet the GRA and to enter into meaningful discussions and negotiations to resolve any outstanding issues.