Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Garda overtime set to be capped across the country as payments are vastly exceeding budgets

Garda overtime for the first five months of this year has run over budget by €12 million.

File Photo Middle-ranking gardaí say there is a chronic shortage of supervisors to monitor the increased number of gardaí being recruited. The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said more than 160 more sergeants are needed immediately. End Leah Farrell / Rollingnews.ie Leah Farrell / Rollingnews.ie / Rollingnews.ie

OVERTIME FOR MEMBERS of An Garda Síochána is to be capped across the country, it emerged tonight.

A new directive released to gardaí states that overtime is to be strictly restricted to budget going forward in a bid to stem costs.

The first five months of 2018 saw such work run over-budget in the force by nearly €12 million.

“Each district, division, and region must take measures to ensure that no overtime is approved which will exceed the relevant budgetary allocation in that roster,” a memo from the Garda executive states.

In the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR), each member will see their overtime capped at 50 hours per roster (each of which runs roughly along the same lines as a calendar month).

“Only in exceptional circumstances and with the express permission of the divisional officer, subject to health and safety considerations/working time agreements, can a member exceed this 50 hour cap in any one roster,” a missive distributed to the DMR states.

It’s understood that the cap will see overtime denied for back office and administrative functions.

“Careful management of time and adttendance should take place to ensure that annual leave and rest days are not being taken to maximise overtime payments,” a memo from the Garda executive reads.

An Garda Síochána has been contacted for comment on this matter.

It emerged last December that one Garda was paid €68,641 in overtime for the first 11 months of 2017.

Almost €107 million was spent on Garda overtime in total for the first 10 months of last year.

In November 2017 it emerged that no overtime was to be allowed for gardaí whatsoever for the following December – however this plan was later backtracked upon after a deal was struck to pay for that overtime from the 2018 budget.

With reporting by Michelle Hennessy

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
66 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds