10/06/2016

AGSI 'Will Not Implement' Modernisation Programme

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has stated it will not implement a planned modernisation programme due to pay issues.

The Modernisation and Reform Programme 2016-2021 was launched on Thursday, 09 June.

However, AGSI has written to Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan revealing its objection to the initiative.

General Secretary, John Jacob, said the organisation would not engage in any reform programme "until a satisfactory conclusion is reached on current pay issues."

"We have given significant productivity increases over the last five years along with the introduction of new work practices and increased role responsibility," he said.

"This is without any recognition or compensation given to our members.   Continuing to ask Sergeants and Inspectors to engage in reform without addressing our current pay concerns is unrealistic and unacceptable.

"Central to any reform in An Garda Síochána in the involvement of our members who are recognised as key to successful implementation of any change.  Garda management is well aware of the unrest within our ranks and despite this they continue to press ahead with a reform programme.  Our members are currently campaigning to have a 25% pay cut restored as well as a mechanism established to directly negotiate our own pay in the future.

"While we welcome a programme of reform, there can simply be no positive reform in the Garda organisation until Gardaí are paid appropriately for the job that they do."

(LM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

05 January 2010
Undocumented Irish In US Emerge
A major effort is underway in the US to secure immigration reform and give undocumented Irish immigrants citizenship in the US. Senator Charles Schumer of New York is leading the effort in the senate to create new legislation to swing at least five key Republican senators behind the immigration reform proposals.
02 November 2018
Time For Govt To Act On Gender Pay Gap
Marking EU Equal Pay Day 2018, Labour has said that it is time for the Government to act on the Gender Pay Gap in Ireland. Last month, the Seanad passed all stages of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Gender Pay Gap) Information Bill 2017, a Private Members Bill initiated by the Labour group in the Seanad.
20 July 2015
Ibec Slams Proposals By The Low Pay Commission
Ibec has slammed plans by the Low Pay Commission for a 50c increase in the national minimum wage. The group, which represents Irish business, said the case is at odds with all the economic evidence. It also said the increase would heap pressure on companies still struggling to stay in business.
20 May 2014
Sinn Féin Launch Policing Reform Proposals
Sinn Féin has launched its policing reform proposals document 'A New Beginning to Policing'. Launching the document, the party's justice spokesperson Pádraig MacLochlainn said that it aims to restore public confidence in the administration of policing and justice in this state.
19 September 2012
Irish Penal Reform Trust Call For Sentencing Reform
The situation where the Minister for Justice decides the duration of a prison sentence for those sentenced to a life term needs to be addressed, according to the Irish Penal Reform Trust.