Calls for less political interference in Garda Siochána

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has said there is too much political interference in the running of the Garda Siochána.

The AGSI is calling for the establishment of an independent policing authority to take over control of running of the force, removing politics from the equation.

The association said the Garda Act gives a Minister for Justice too much power because the Minister decides when vacancies are filled, who gets appointed to senior posts and how much money they get to do the job.

The AGSI General-Secretary Joe Dirwan said the system needs to be as open and transparent as possible.

"While government have a say over appointments in An Garda Siochana above Superintendent level, there will always be that perception there that people are not being appointed on merit or being promoted on merit.

"You have to remove that".

"I have no evidence of political interference in the actual selection process, but what I am saying is, that perception should be removed."