Updated 12.30pm
GARDAÍ IN THIS country face threats and intimidation from criminals on a daily basis, the association representing middle-ranking officers has said.
In his address to the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) this morning, general secretary John Jacob said no other public sector workers were subjected to this kind of constant intimidation as part of their job.
“I’m satisfied that there is no one in the Department of Justice who wears a stab vest to work,” he said.
He said he was also satisfied that there was no one in the Taoiseach’s office who has been told “your wife or your child would be raped”.
Jacob gave one example of a pregnant colleague in Dublin, revealing a criminal “has threatened to rape her and her unborn child”.
He said he knew of another member who had recently been told by management that there is a credible threat against his life.
This is the intimidation that is taking place on a daily basis.
Jacob was speaking to delegates about the lack of movement to restore pay to pre-2008 levels.
He said the job of the garda is “unique”. Aside from the threats, intimidation and frequent assaults, they are under constant scrutiny, he said.
“People can take our good name in the Dáil and we have no redress,” he told delegates. The courts, he said, examine their every action.
And on social media “people can edit videos and put them up and then berate us for doing the job that people expect”.
He said the restriction on the AGSI when it comes to pay negotiations is unjust, as they know best the challenges of the job.
A survey conducted by the association found 93% of members supported work-to-rule action as part of the campaign to have their pay restored.
Jacob called on members to march to the Dáil in uniform on the first day the new government sits, to make their voices heard.
Speaking to reporters ahead of her speech to delegates in Westport, Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, addressed comments made by President Tim Galvin yesterday, that she was more concerned about the corporate image of the force than the welfare of members.
“I heard what was said yesterday. It will be very interesting to hear what evidence there is to support some of the accusations that were made yesterday,” she said, adding that she would listen “very attentively”.
She went on to say that it was no secret that the capacity and capability of her organisation had been diminished by cuts. However, she pointed out that investment in the force has started again, with the provision of 800 new vehicles, a station refurbishment programme and recruitment.
We’ll be reporting from the AGSI annual delegate conference in Westport over the next two days, so keep an eye out and follow @michellehtweet for updates throughout the day.
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