Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2021
180. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the status of the ongoing pay dispute with senior officers of An Garda Síochána in relation to the availability allowance; and the impact of this dispute on current GSOC investigations. [46863/21]
View answerIssues relating to a review of the Availability Allowance which is paid to Superintendents and Chief Superintendents have been the subject of extensive engagement at official and Ministerial level over a number of years.
A review of the Availability Allowance undertaken by Garda management and my Department, with input from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, has been shared with both the Superintendents Association and the Chief Superintendents Association. The review suggests that this issue could be considered under the sectoral bargaining element of the new public service agreement, Building Momentum.
I am advised, however, that the Associations do not favour this approach. I am further advised that unfortunately the approach being taken by both Associations in respect of their duties has the potential to impact on Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) investigations, in circumstances where an officer may be appointed to investigate a complaint which has been returned by GSOC to An Garda Síochána for investigation.
I can inform the Deputy that I have discussed this potential impact with my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and my officials will engage further with Garda management and his Department in this regard, as part of the ongoing work to find a resolution to this matter.
