Minister must engage with Garda civilian staff before changing conditions
Labour education spokesperson said the Justice Minister must meet with and engage with the over 3,200 Garda civilian staff potentially impacted by the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“It is shameful that we are due to debate the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023 today given that the Minister has failed to engage with over 3,200 Garda civilian staff who will be impacted by the proposed changes.
“Forsa, the union representing many of these workers, have requested engagement to address changes, that will include the empowerment of the Garda Commissioner to recruit Garda staff directly into the police service, rather than to the Civil Service, as is currently the case.
“Changing the employment status of workers without their engagement is simply wrong and the Bill cannot proceed without having these workers’ voices heard.
“These workers are fundamental to the operations of the Force but the proposed changes could result in a loss of mobility and access to interdepartmental competitions in the Civil Service, as well as seeing their governance move to GSOC.
“I am calling on Minister Harris to meet with Forsa, these workers and the representatives to ensure proper engagement takes place.”