Ireland breaking law by denying Garda unions

A landmark European decision is expected to rule that Ireland is breaching international laws by denying gardaí the right to form a trade union.

The Council of Europe ruling, due to be made public on May 17, will put pressure on the Government to grant garda associations trade union status.

Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, gardaí are prohibited from being a member of a trade union, with all the bargaining rights and powers unions have, including strike action.