Policy towards diabetic drivers ‘unfair’

DIABETICS are being unfairly excluded from driving Garda patrol cars and carrying firearms, according to the Garda Representative Association which wants the ban lifted.

Terry Leonard, a member of the GRA’s secretariat, has described the exclusion policy as “unfair, unnecessary and excessive”, in view of medical advances which allow diabetics to live normal lives.

Garda Leonard said there could be up to 1,200 gardaí with diabetes, but they won’t disclose it because of the fear they will be taken off certain duties. He claimed two potential recruits were turned down last year because they had the condition.