LAST UPDATE | 6 Oct 2023

THERE HAS BEEN “substantial” progress in talks between garda representative bodies and Commissioner Drew Harris regarding the ongoing roster dispute, sources have said. 

It has emerged that the Garda Representative Association (GRA) have also deferred their days of action including on Budget Day, all of which has been welcomed by Justice Minister Helen McEntee.

Sources have said that tensions have been eased and talks are continuing but that a possible agreement, if finally accepted by GRA officials, would see the Commissioner’s proposed roster be altered.

Sources have said that there is a likelihood the adoption of any roster will be pushed out to next year also. 

Drew Harris had set a deadline of 6 November for the introduction of his revised roster. 

According to statements from the Garda Representative Association (GRA) this has been a substantial sticking point for their negotiation team.

The Journal has learned that garda management delivered a new proposed roster at the meeting.

Previously the Commissioner had announced his intention to reimpose the pre-Covid, 2012 Westmanstown Roster, which involves a six-day-on, four-day-off pattern for all members on a 10-week cycle.

This would require the creation and deployment of five units and would commence in the week beginning 6 November, 2023.

This morning that all changed as Harris’ team told the GRA and garda associations that on 6 November, 2023 gardaí attached to regular uniform response units and the Armed Support Unit, control room operators, immigration officers as well as other units would stay on the four-on-four-off 12 hour shift rotation. 

While all other units attached to detective branch, traffic units and community policing would adopt the six-on-four off 10 hour shift rotation.

Sources have said that this is essentially the GRA’s original proposal from the negotiations which began more than two years ago. 

The GRA has told their members in a missive this evening that the acceptance of the new roster arrangements is only a temproary measure to allow negotiations.  

They also said that any final acceptance would be subject of a ballot of all members. 

It is understood that the GRA message to its members said that they will continue to engage with senior gardaí and the Government in regard other issues such as suspensions, cumbersome administrative tasks and discipline. 

A garda spokesperson confirmed that new proposals were put forward by Harris.  

“At the meeting today, Garda management put forward a set of proposals that all the Garda associations agreed to bring back to each of their central executives for consideration.

“Following this, all parties are due to meet again on Monday, 9 October 2023.

“An Garda Síochána will not be commenting on the detail of the proposals until each association has had the opportunity to consider them,” the spokesperson said. 

The move follows the recent announcement by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) that their members had entered a de facto work-to-rule by not agreeing to work overtime on Budget Day 10 October and Halloween night 31 October – as well as 17 and 24 October. 

The rank-and-file gardaí have also voted in favour of a proposal to strike on 10 November.

The action began this week with gardaí withdrawing from taking voluntary overtime shifts. 

The gardaí have colloquially begun to call the action the ‘Drew Flu’ – which is a reference to their 1998 withdrawal of labour known as the ‘Blue Flu’, when gardaí called in sick in a dispute over pay and conditions.  

Last month, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) members took a vote of no confidence in Commissioner Drew Harris – with 98.7% of the 85% member turnout backing the motion. 

In a statement tonight, Justice Minister Helen McEntee welcomed the progress made in talks today.

“I have consistently maintained that the only way to resolve differences is through negotiation,” said McEntee. 

She added: “I welcome that further GRA action has been called off, and that the GRA has indicated it is willing to enter negotiations.

“I am conscious that the other associations will deliberate further over the weekend, and that must be respected.”