THE HEAD OF The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors says that gardaí were not aware that a system of recording was in place at Garda stations.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie this morning, John Redmond said that gardaí knew that 999 calls could be recorded and that was a system that was accepted, but there was worry that other phone calls may have been listened to.
“I believe that the equipment was put in to allow [other phone calls be recorded].
It’s not clear at all what protocols were in place as to who would access those phone calls or how or why.
Redmond said that the public had a “legitimate and reasonable” expectation that their dealings with gardaí be kept private.
“We have people working in those stations and in those situations and just because they’re employees of the State, that doesn’t mean they don’t have rights. They are now concerned about their interactions with the public and with each.”
Redmond said that the last few months have had an effect on gardaí, saying that it had caused “concern and disquiet” among sergeants and inspectors.
“Things like this are taking from their ability to do their jobs. They’re exasperated.”
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