McDowell wins first battle in reserve roll-out
Both of the two garda associations at loggerheads with the minister over the voluntary force have advised their members to carry out work in relation to applications for the reserve.
Late last night the Garda Representative Association (GRA) joined the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) in confirming it had told its members to co-operate with the selection and interview processes and thus abide by the law. This is despite an AGSI policy of non-cooperation formally, albeit narrowly, adopted at its annual conference last April.
The GRA also has a policy of non-cooperation, endorsed at its annual conference last May.
Last night, senior sources within the GRA reiterated that it is committed to its mandate, unanimously decided by its 9,500-plus members, not to co-operate with reservists should their role become functional.
An Garda Síochána launched a national recruitment campaign for reserves last month after Mr McDowell said he was determined to implement the Garda Reserve. An estimated 6,000 people have so far applied for the reserve, which is initially expected to hire 900 members.
Vetting forms for those applications were last week distributed to garda stations. Sergeants and inspectors were directed by garda headquarters to fill out the forms and vet applicants.
It is understood members contacted AGSI central office to seek advice and an internal email sent by AGSI head office to members advised them to carry out their orders.
“Members are advised to comply with any lawful order or direction in relation to the processing of applications for the Garda Reserve as this matter continues to be the subject of discussions at the Garda Conciliation Council,” it said.
The internal email is signed by AGSI general secretary Joe Dirwan.
The Garda Conciliation Council (GCC) is the internal industrial relations machinery within the force.
After details of the internal memo were uncovered yesterday, AGSI head office issued a public statement.
“The email is fully consistent with the policy of AGSI as stated at our annual delegate conference and many times since, that none of our members would disobey a lawful order or act contrary to their oath of office,” said a spokesman.
“I must also emphasise that discussions continue at conciliation council under the Pay and Modernisation Agenda, part of the Towards 2016 pay agreement as it refers to An Garda Síochána. These discussions include the Garda Reserve. An acceptance of the outcome will be determined by a ballot of the membership.”
A spokeswoman for Mr McDowell said he regarded the decision as “a very positive development”.
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