Séamus Hughes
Ceist:206 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Justice if she will give recognition to the Garda Federation in the event that the Garda Representative Body refuses the contents of her proposed legislation. [5651/96]
Written Answers. - Garda Federation Recognition.
On 20 February 1996 I issued a comprehensive statement announcing that I had received the approval of the Government for the drafting of legislation dealing with the Garda Representative Association.
The statement, a copy of which was sent to all Members of the Oireachtas, sets out the purpose and provisions of the proposed Bill. It provides, among other things, for the recognition of only one association to represent members of the force of garda rank in matters concerning pay, pensions and conditions of service, and particular provisions that must be included in that association's constitution to quality for recognition.
It also provides that if after the Bill becomes law it appears to the Minister that the Garda Representative Association is not conforming to any requirements imposed by the Garda Síochána Acts, including the new Act, the Minister may inform the association that, unless it is shown to her satisfaction within a period of 30 days that it conforms to the requirements, the Minister would propose to make an order withdrawing recognition from the association. On the making of such an order the association will, forthwith, cease to be a representative association established under the Garda Síochána Acts. An order of this nature will not take effect until it has been approved by Dáil Éireann. A new representative association could then be formed by the members of the garda rank.