Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Morale.

Ivor Callely

Question:

103 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the fact that due to Garda pay and working conditions, morale in the force is very low; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8292/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I do not accept that morale in the Garda Síochána is low either because of pay and working conditions or anything else.

The pay agreements which form part of national programmes are, in common with the rest of the public service, applied to all members of the Garda Síochána.

I should, however, say that the four Garda associations have been critical of their non-participation at the central pay discussions for national programmes. The question of whether the Garda associations ought to be closer to the determination of public pay policy in the context of national programmes is one which could be usefully examined. I believe that the best way to proceed, at this stage, is by way of discussion between all the representative associations and my Department. The aim would be to find an approach which would be consistent with the position of the associations under trade union law but which would allow the Garda associations to make a contribution to the process which will follow the Programme for Competitiveness and Work.

So far as the quality of accommodation is concerned I believe that, while some accommodation needs improvement and this is not denied, gardaí have every reason to be satisfied with the programme for improvements. A very considerable investment has been made in improving Garda accommodation in recent years and many members of the force have benefited from this expenditure. In fact, since 1992 over £24 million has been spent between maintenance and new works. Indeed, in the two years 1995-96 in which I had an involvement, as Minister, in the provision of money for the Garda building programme, some £17 million has been allocated. This year alone there is an allocation of nearly £9 million. I think this is an indication of my commitment to eliminating accommodation problems throughout the country and that gardaí generally appreciate that significant progress is being made countrywide.