GRA chief should be commended for speaking out over jobs embargo

AS a former member of the Garda Representative Association Executive, I wish to congratulate the outgoing president Damien McCarthy in speaking out on behalf of his members and highlighting the embargo on recruitment to the force.

He was correct in pointing out that the Government are continuing recruitment to the defence forces and correct also in pointing out that this country is not at war.

I ask Mr Shatter — “are you aware of the Memorandum of Understanding drawn up in the 1980s between the Department of Justice, the Garda Commissioner, and the collective Garda Representative Associations which gives entitlement to elected association representatives to speak out on behalf of their members on matters such as pay, conditions and welfare?