Report recommends better allocation of garda resources

A new report is recommending a shake-up of garda rosters that would see more boys in blue on the beat.

The sixth report by the Garda Inspectorate has made 27 recommendations aimed at better resource allocation and deployment in the force.

The report recommends the introduction of a nationwide IT-based human resource system to manage rosters, overtime and leave.

"Leading police services elsewhere in the world are organising deployments to meet daily and hourly fluctuations in demand for service," a statement from the Inspectorate said. "The Garda Síochána must do the same."

"The research undertaken by the Garda Inspectorate reveals there is often a disconnect between the demand for police services and the number of gardaí on duty.

"Today, more than ever, public agencies, including the Garda Síochána, must adopt modern approaches to resource allocation."

The head of the Garda Inspectorate Kathleen O'Toole said rosters were last negotiated in the 1970s and will have to change.

The report's recommendations have been welcomed by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.

"This report is all about the core service of the Garda Síochána - in particular uniformed Gardaí patrolling our streets and communities," Minister Ahern said.

"I welcome the recommendations of the Inspectorate which aim to improve the service to the public and the working conditions of frontline gardaí.

"The Garda Commissioner is preparing to implement a range of improvements to resource allocation systems and I will work with him and all concerned to deliver an even better policing service for communities across the country."

The Garda Representative Association however said it won't cooperate with any attempts to change the force's roster system.

GRA President Michael O'Boyce said roster changes were part of the talks process which collapsed before December's Budget.

"The only place these discussions can take place is within the conciliation and arbitration system that we have," said Mr O'Boyce.

"That has been made redundant by the actions of the Government and until that is resurrected or rejuvenated such discussions simply can't take place."