Police delegates fight Govt cuts

Senior gardaí will use their annual conference today to fight any further government cuts in their pay or pensions.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), gathering in Athlone, will also demand that front-line policing must not be affected by spending reductions.

Last week the Minister for Finance announced an immediate recruitment embargo across all garda ranks.

The three-day conference will be addressed today by AGSI president Paschal Feeney and Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.

Keynote speakers tomorrow include AGSI general secretary Joe Dirwan and Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy.

Delegates are due to make calls at the conference for an independent ombudsman’s office to investigate all complaints of bullying and harassment within the force.

Motions from local branches also suggest members should be trained in child interviewing techniques and that specialist interview rooms be provided.

The conference will also hear calls for out-of-hours social worker services for children at risk so they do not have to be detained in garda stations.

Some members also suggested gardaí should be removed from escorting prisoners to free them up for policing duties.

Other delegates want digital recording facilities to replace the analogue systems in garda stations.