Garda roster changed for first time in 40 years

A new garda roster and working time agreement has been voted on and implemented by gardai.

The rota was part of the Croke Park Agreement. Its stated aim was to improve the welfare of gardaí under reduced resources.

It is the first time that the garda roster has been fundamentally changed in 40 years.

Announcing the completion of the project, Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan said it would produce savings for the taxpayer.

He added gardaí would now be able to cope with increased demand for the policing of major events and investigations, as shift times were being changed to coincide with these events.