1,000 gardaí to meet in protest against reserves

MORE than 1,000 Munster gardaí are expected to take part in a Cork protest meeting on Monday over controversial plans for a garda reserve force.

The meeting, set to take place in the Rochestown Park Hotel, follows the intense row between Justice Minister Michael McDowell and garda representative associations which shows no sign of abating.

Garda representatives have expressed grave concern at being told to remove posters in garda stations informing members of meetings to oppose Government plans for a garda reserve force.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said the instruction from Garda Headquarters was "politically motivated".

However, GRA representatives in Cork and Kerry confirmed yesterday that posters in garda stations advertising the protest had been taken down.

The directive caused consternation among garda members, making them even more determined to support planned protests over the coming weeks.

Earlier this week, more than 1,000 gardaí protested in Sligo. Further events are planned for Portlaoise and Dublin.

GRA president PJ Stone claimed no members had taken down posters following Thursday's order.

However, Kerry GRA representative Dave McMahon yesterday said most posters had been removed in the region.

He also warned that the insistence on removing the posters had only served to intensify emotions.

"This is only driving the lads mad. They are going about it the wrong way."

Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) spokesman Austin Kenny criticised the way an almost-forgotten internal garda rule had been used to force the posters down.

"It's extremely surprising that a regulation which hasn't been used for 70 years should all of a sudden be brought out like that.

"It smacks of suppression of free speech. It's treating stations around the country as if they were a cloister or something. People are very angry about it."

Mr McDowell, who is determined to introduce a 900-strong garda reserve force by September, did not comment yesterday.

However, he has criticised the garda associations for deciding to hold protest meetings before considering plans for the new force. Mr McDowell has also made it clear he "remains open to consultation" with garda representatives.

Q&A

Q: What exactly is Michael McDowell planning?

A: Mr McDowell is hoping to have a 900-strong garda reserve force in place by the end of this year. Each member will work about four hours a week. They will not be paid but will receive payments for out-of-pocket expenses.

Q: What powers will they have?

A: They will wear garda uniforms and carry batons. They will have the same powers as permanent gardaí but not power of arrest when off-duty. They will operate only under the supervision of permanent members.

Q: Why does he want reservists?

A: Mr McDowell believes reservists can be used on duties such as on foot patrols and in vehicles in urban areas and policing public events. Potentially they may also be deployed in areas like road safety.

Q: Does such a force exist elsewhere?

A: Yes. Britain's Special Constabulary numbers between 12,000 and 14,000 and was established 175 years ago. This represents between 8.5% and 10% of the 140,000 members. By and large, the Special Constabulary is seen as a success.

Q: So why do gardaí opposed the measure?

A: The Garda Representative Association (GRA) and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) have criticised the lack of public debate as well as the fact they were not consulted. They say Mr McDowell promised not to introduce such a move during the present Government.

They believe the reserve will detract from and devalue the work of their members. They also fear members will be forced to "babysit" reservists and "mop up" after botched work.

Members of the force must also fear overtime will be cut considerably.