Gardaí ‘denied basic needs’ during visits

GARDAÍ were denied “basic human needs” — such as hot food, toilet breaks and relief from work — for up to 18 hours at a time during the visits of US President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth, the largest Garda staff body has claimed.

The Garda Representative Body (GRA) said “unnecessary hardship” was inflicted on members in certain cases.

The body intends to bring its evidence to the Garda Commissioner to ensure the same mistakes are not made again.