AGSI strike action
The Chair redirected the debate after time ran out, and Senator Robbie Gallagher then raised the AGSI decision to join GRA strike action. He said Garda morale was extremely low and blamed the current and previous Governments for allowing the crisis to develop.
Yes. It is like the greyhound track. When the rabbit is on the way, the greyhound should be ready.
Comment on this
I refer to the decision by the 2,000-strong membership of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, AGSI, to join the 12,500-strong membership of the Garda Representative Association, GRA, in taking strike action. This is the first time in the history of the AGSI that such a decision has been made. It clearly illustrates the anger and frustration felt by gardaí. From talking to members of the force, I have never seen the level of morale as low as it is.
That is a sad indictment of this and the previous Government which have allowed it to develop into a crisis. No garda wants to go on strike and nobody in this room or anywhere in the State wants to see a member of the Garda going on strike. I plead with the Minister for Justice and Equality to sort out this mess once and for all. I trust that if she engages fully with gardaí, they will not be found wanting in their response.