Ruling clears way for Gardaí to recruit civilian staff

The Labour Court has reportedly cleared the way for the Gardaí to accelerate the recruitment of civilian support staff.

Reports this morning say the programme was being held up by a challenge being taken by the Civil and Public Service Union.

The union had claimed that 14 civilian staff employed by An Garda Síochána to carry out administrative work should get the same pay as Gardaí filling similar administrative posts.

However, this morning's reports say the Labour Court has rejected the claim on the grounds that some administrative posts require the specialist knowledge and expertise of qualified Gardaí.