Sergeants won't be disciplined for walkout

Four garda sergeants who walked out of the AGSI conference during addresses by by the Garda Commissioner and Justice Minister, have said they did not mean any offence.

Four garda sergeants who walked out of the AGSI conference during addresses by the Garda Commissioner and Justice Minister, have said they did not mean any offence.

Following a lengthy meeting with garda management in Templemore, the four also said they have full confidence in the Garda Commissioner.

The four AGSI members had faced disciplinary action over their walkout.

The four delegates from Carlow and Kilkenny were accompanied by senior AGSI officials to their meeting with and Assistant Commissioner Fintan Fanning.

It ended late last night with an agreed statement from all concerned.

The statement read: "The four representatives of Kilkenny Carlow branch of the AGSI, indicated that they meant to cause no offence to the Commissioner.

"They personally have full confidence in the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. The Commissioner enjoys the full confidence of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.

"Members of the AGSI will never shirk their responsibility to either the Garda Commissioner or members of the Public.

"The representatives of the Kilkenny/Carlow Branch regret that this whole matter has been played out on TV and in the Public Arena."