Garda Officers Begin 24-Hour Work-To-Rule Action

More than 2,000 gardaí officers have started a 24-hour 'work-to-rule' action, marking the first step in a campaign seeking pay restoration and negotiating rights.

It is understood the action began at 7am this morning, 21 October, and involves officers not using the garda's internal computer system, PULSE. It is the first time in the history of the State that Garda have undertaken industrial action.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) said the move is the first in a series of industrial actions due to take place over the next six weeks. Officers will also refuse to do administrative duties next Friday, 28 October, as well as a complete withdrawal of labour on Friday, 04 November.

Garda management said that "processes have been put in place" to minimise disruption from the industrial action, and reassured the public that is would have "little impact on policing".

However, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has accused the government of "failing to prepare properly for the pending strike by the Garda unions".

Teachta Adams claimed that reports indicate there has been no discussion between the Minister for Justice and An Garda Síochána on contingency plans for the imminent strike action and with the AGSI having commenced its industrial action this was "deplorable".

"The stock response that a contingency plan is an operational matter for the Garda is equally unacceptable. The state faces an unprecedented crisis with almost all Garda threatening to go on a series of strikes. The government has a responsibility to ensure that a plan is in place to provide some measure of policing," Mr Adams said.

"The Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner have both been out of the country. They should now get their act in order and ensure that a contingency plan is prepared."

The AGSI is due to hold talks with management later today.

(MH/LM)