What's New ?            

ballot papers issue Weds. 22.05.13
Ballot Papers, together with explanatory notes, have issued to all GRA members - to vote on the LRC proposals agreed in principle with Mr. Kieran Mulvey, Chief Executive LRC. The Proposals protect members’ pay, premium pay & allowances for the lifetime of the Agreement. In addition the proposals address the Association’s long - standing call for the establishment of an independent Commission / Review to put in place a mechanism for negotiating pay & conditions. The GRA Executive Committee has recommended acceptance of these proposals.
ALL MEMBERS ARE URGED TO VOTE PROMPTLY. View full text of the Proposals & GRA Press Statement  > here

acceptance recommended of Labour Relations Commission proposals Fri. 17.05.13
Following intensive discussions chaired by Mr. Kieran Mulvey, Chief Executive LRC from Thurs 9th May to Sun. 12th May, with representatives of all 4 Staff Associations, of the Garda Commissioner and of the Dept. of Justice present, agreement in principle has been reached on proposals to find savings in the Garda budget whilst  maintaining the GRA position that members’ pay, premia & allowances must be protected.
The Association's Executive Committee, at a meeting held on Tuesday 14th May 2013, decided to recommend acceptance of these proposals on a ballot of its membership.
View full text of the Proposals & GRA Press Statement  > here

Agreement in principle reached at Labour Relations Commission Sun 12.05.13 10pm
Following intensive discussions chaired by Mr. Kieran Mulvey, Chief Executive LRC from Thurs 9th May to Sun. 12th May, with representatives of all 4 Staff Associations, of the Garda Commissioner and of the Dept. of Justice present, agreement in principle has been reached on proposals to find savings in the Garda budget whilst  maintaining the GRA position that members’ pay, premia & allowances must be protected. The full document, once finalised, to be considered by a Special meeting of the Association’s Executive on Tues. 14th May.

meetings continue at Labour Relations Commission Sat 11.05.13
Following an initial meeting with Mr. Kieran Mulvey, Chief Executive LRC on Thurs. 2nd May, meetings resumed on Thurs 9th May, with representatives of all 4 Staff Associations, of the Garda Commissioner and of the Dept. of Justice present. The GRA has maintained our position as set out at  Annual Conference - that we cannot negotiate cuts in members’ pay, premia or allowances but can discuss alternative potential savings in the Garda vote. Discussions continued on Friday 10th May & will continue on Sun. 12th May.

meetings continuing at Labour Relations Commission 09.05.13
Following an initial meeting with Mr. Kieran Mulvey, Chief Executive LRC on Thurs. 2nd May, meetings resumed on Thurs 9th May, with representatives of all 4 Staff Associations, of the Garda Commissioner and of the Dept. of Justice present. The GRA has maintained our position as set out at  Annual Conference - that we cannot negotiate cuts in members’ pay, premia or allowances but can discuss alternative potential savings in the Garda vote. Discussions will continue on Friday 10th May.

Annual Conference 30th April / 1st May 2013
The Association’s Annual Delegate Conference takes place at the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo on Tuesday 30th April & Weds. 1st May. View the Opening Address & Conference Agenda  > here

invitation to meeting 26.04.13
The GRA have received an invitation from Mr. Kieran Mulvey, Chief Executive LRC to attend an “unconditional” meeting with him on Thursday 2nd May next "to see if a sectoral agreement can be explored with Garda Rank". This matter will be discussed at  Annual Conference on Tues 30th April / Weds. 1st May.

Pilot roster
The Association’s Executive Committee has agreed to seek an extension to the current Pilot Roster. This is to allow time for the Review & independent Review to take place prior to any final decision being made. This also takes into account that the roster Working Time Agreement (WTA) was not finalised & put in place until September 2012.

GRA welcomes ICTU members’ vote 16.04.13
GRA President John Parker welcomed today’s decision of ICTU members in their overwhelming rejection of the LRC / Govt / Unions  recent proposals. John Parker thanked all GRA members for their perseverance in opposing these unfair, unjust cuts to date but warned we must continue to be steadfast in our opposition as there is still a stated threat to impose severe hardship on Garda members.

GRA will fight cuts - GRa president john parker rte1 radio news at one 12.04.13
Following GRA protest at E.U. Finance Ministers Meeting, Dublin Castle, John Parker  (@3mins: 55sec)  > here

It doesn't add up garda review Editorial March 2013
".... how our political leaders can call this ‘fair’; and a reasonable deal is simply mystifying...."  > here

ALLIANCE OF UNIONS INFORMATION MEETINGS 18.03.13
Open Information Meetings on LRC Proposals, supported by 24/7 Alliance, 19th March - 4th April 2013  > here

Financial loss for Gardaí / Nurses / Senators Irish Times 14.03.13
Independent Report commissioned by 24/7 Alliance on comparative loss for different Public Servants under LRC proposals > here

President on prime time Mon. 04.03.13
View John Parker, President on Prime Time re pay  > here

OPPOSITION TO PAY-CUTS 04.03.13
The GRA Executive agreed opposition to the prospect of further cuts in Garda pay & plan of action re same. See reps.

gra pRESS statement 01.03.13
GRA responds to ‘disingenuous’ public comments. read > here

Final lrc proposals  26.02.13  View final LRC proposals from the Unions / Government agreement   > here
The GRA does not accept the terms of the proposals above.

statement by general secretary p.j. stone 23.02.13
“It would be more constructive if commonsense were allowed to prevail,..”  “our members have no other option but to register their anger and frustration through legitimate peaceful placard protest and the turning off ..” read > here

Pj Stone - Today with Pat kenny Fri. 22.02.13
GRA General Secretary, PJ Stone talks to Pat Kenny on Garda concerns re pay. Listen to the interview  >  here

24/7 OPPOSITION TO PAY-CUTS - Contacts your local td’s, senators 20.02.13
Each member is urged to contact their local elected representatives this weekend - particularly Government T.D.’s & Senators, setting out their financial circumstances & how further cuts would affect them.
 >  Email Addresses for member's of Dáil    > TD's Details - by Constituencies & Parties

Meeting with garda commissioner 20.02.13
The GRA Executive today met with the Garda Commissioner for 2 1/2hrs & detailed the hardship being endured by members & the possible impact of any further cuts. The Commissioner said he needed time to reflect on the issues raised.

voices from the Arena 18.02.13
"In 1913 you had the Lockout, in 2013 you have the Sellout - well you can sell out your own members if you wish, but you won't sell out ours...." (reference to the talks set up by Govt & the two main Unions - whose members will NOT be expected to take any cash pay-cuts, as is planned for Frontline workers)
"The Govt. are achieving what Terrorists & Criminals never did - the dismantling of An Garda Síochána..."
"You are NOT going to have your pay cut because of the time you work..."
"As Richard Nixon said, when you squeeze the tooth-paste out of the tube it ain't going back - well we are out now & we are not going back..."    "I am not the Guard leading the job into dis-repute..."
"This is an attempt to repress the wages of all in Society.."
"We have been bled dry already - you can't get blood from a Stone (P.J.)
Grateful thanks to all those who traveled to the 24/7 Frontline  Rally at the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght.

24/7 Alliance Rally 18th February 2013 - LIVE TV FEED View  > here

Opposition to Pay-Cuts 14.02.13
The GRA Executive committee today agreed opposition to the prospect of further cuts in Garda pay and has prepared a plan of action re same. See reps.

GRA Press Release 14.02.13
The GRA central executive committee issued a press release re decisions taken on 14th February 2012  >  here.

Rally National Basketball Arena Tallaght 6p.m. Monday 18th February 12.02.13
Following a meeting & press conference of the 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance (comprising GRA, AGSI, Nurses, POA, & Psychiatric Nurses) held today 12th February, it was agreed that the National Protest Meeting open to all GRA members & 24/7 Alliance members to set out opposition to Government proposals for further cuts to members pay, allowances & premium payments, will now be held at 6.00pm on Mon. 18th February at the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght, Dublin. All GRA members urged to attend - detail of travel arrangements from your CEC Rep

For details of today’s Frontline Services Alliance Press Conference & Information Sheet Click    > here

MEMO ON TALKS ON CROKE PARK AGREEMENT 06.02.13
– ON BRIEFINGS HELD UP TO THURS 24TH JANUARY 2013 & - ON POSITION TO  DATE  > here

National OPEN MEETING FOR ALL 24/7 ALLIANCE MEMBERS 06.02.13
Following a meeting of the 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance (comprising GRA, AGSI, Nurses, POA, & Psychiatric Nurses) held this morning 6th February, it was agreed that a press conference of 24/7 Alliance will be held at 11am next Tuesday 12th February setting out opposition to Government proposals for further cuts to members pay, allowances & premium payments. In addition it has been agreed to hold a National Protest Meeting of all 24/7 Alliance members against further cuts at 6.00pm on Mon. 18th February at the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght, Dublin. . All GRA members are urged to attend - details of arrangements for travelling will be advised.

vacancies P.S.A. 06.02.13
Advertisement for Vacancies on Panel of External Inspectors of the P.S.A. (Public Security Authority, a branch of the Dept. of Justice) which may be suitable for retired members > here
Closing date for applications 15/02/13

Members cannot accept any further reduction in Garda pay 04.02.13
The Central Executive Committee of the Garda Representative Association discussed the proposed cuts to Garda pay on Monday 4th February. The government has presented a briefing document of cost cutting measures and changes to working practices that includes pay cuts.
The GRA executive has rejected all such proposals that include a cut in Garda pay, and will not participate in any process that proposes such cuts. Read the full press release  > here

GOVT TO CUT A FURTHER €1 BILLION FROM PUBLIC SECTOR PAYBILL 24.01.13 & 01.02.13
Further to Minister's Howlin’s announcement that Government had decided to cut a further €1 Billion from the Public Service Pay-Bill, the Official Side has advised us, over the course of 5 Briefings, that the pro-rata savings sought from the Garda Pay-Bill is €60 million over 3 years & €18.2 million of that during 2013. The Official Side have sought that we enter negotiations in a bid to agree a range of cuts in the Garda Pay-Bill, by & large through cuts to Unsocial Hours Payments & Rates of Overtime whilst also proposing rapid reduction of Garda numbers & seeking Longer Working Hours. The GRA's Central Executive Committee will consider these issues at a Special Meeting to be now held on Monday 4th February 2013.  
 > GRA Statement re Garda Pay, Friday 01.02.13

detective garda adrian donohoe 25.01.13
It is with deep shock and revulsion we learned of the callous murder of our colleague Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, on duty outside Dundalk. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family, friends & close colleagues at this time. The killing highlights the dangers Gardaí face in the course of their duties and must be condemned outright. GRA President John Parker said: "This dreadful news is what every police family fears. At this time the wider Garda family will be doing everything possible to support the late Garda’s relatives and loved ones, friends and colleagues. There is a deep shock across An Garda Síochána - and Irish society." May he Rest in Peace.

GOVT TO CUT A FURTHER €1 BILLION FROM PUBLIC SECTOR PAYBILL 24.01.13
Further to Minister's Howlin’s announcement that Government had decided to cut a further €1 Billion from the Public Service Pay-Bill, the Official Side has advised us, over the course of 5 Briefings, that the pro-rata savings sought from the Garda Pay-Bill is €60 million over 3 years & €18.2 million of that during 2013. The Official Side have sought that we enter negotiations in a bid to agree a range of cuts in the Garda Pay-Bill, by & large through cuts to Unsocial Hours Payments & Rates of Overtime whilst also proposing rapid reduction of Garda numbers & seeking Longer Working Hours. The GRA's Central Executive Committee will consider these issues at a Special Meeting to be now held on Monday 4th February 2013  - against the backdrop of the Croke Park Agreement that our members have signed up to, to run until 2014.

INCENTIVISED CAREER BREAKS  12.01.13
There is no info as of yet on Incentivised Career Breaks, other than it is being looked at by Garda management.

GRA call for clarification on garda payroll cuts 08.01.13
In a Press Statement, the Garda Representative Association has said it will be asking the Garda Commissioner if he has sufficient resources to effectively police Ireland, and does he have sufficient funds to pay gardaí? > here
John Parker, President of the GRA, says there needs to be clarity on what cuts to Garda payroll means for Garda numbers - Morning Ireland RTE Radio 1 08.01.13 > here
Minister Alan Shatter confirms €26 millon Garda Payroll Cut - Today With Pat Kenny  RTE1 08.01.13   > here
1,400 planned garda job losses 'would cause policing to fall apart' Examiner.ie  08.01.13   > here

minister announces closure of further 100 garda stations 05.12.12
Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has announced the closure of a further 100 Garda Stations, the amalgamation of 28 Garda Districts to 14 & reduced opening hours at 7 other Stations. This follows the closure already in 2012 of 39 Garda Stations.  > View full list of Stations for Closure here
GRA President John Parker has stated this decision has been taken without proper consultation and is a withdrawal of Gardaí from rural Ireland (all but 2 Stations to close are from rural areas) > Full Statement here
  > Examiner.ie 06.12.12  > Irish Times 06.12.12  >  Herald.ie 06.12.12  > Radio Kerry 06.12.12

december payments 30.11.12
Payment for the four-week cycle ending 9th December next will not be paid until the beginning of January. This has been happening over the past three years and every avenue has been utilised by the GRA  to come to a satisfactory conclusion for our membership. We have attempted to have this remedied with management to no avail. As a result we have sought legal advice & opinion as to our entitlements. This is unacceptable in today's day and age, moreover with the bills that come at this time of the year. Claims for this period will be paid on 3rd January 2013
 .> Irish Times 25.11.12    >   Examiner.ie 26.11.12   > Irish Times 26.11.12

december payments 19.11.12
Contrary to reports, payments due for the 4-week cycle that ended on 11/11/12 will be made as normal in the next 2 to 3 weeks.
The Association is in discussion with management on the question of payments arising for the four-week cycle concluding 09/12/12 & payment dates for same. Members will be advised as soon as this is available.

Public accounts committee -  Garda Allowances 1.11.12
  > Read the full Transcript here
  > P.A.C. examines allowances paid to Gardaí RTE1  01.11.12

Dáil Public accounts committee -  Garda Síochána - Review of Allowances 01.11.12
The GRA General Secretary, P.J. Stone, Garda Commissioner, Mr. Martin Callinan & AGSI Gen Sec, John Redmond appeared as witnesses before the Committee of Public Accounts on 01.11.12 as part of that Committee’s Review of Allowances paid in an Garda Síochána. > Read the full Transcript here
 > P.A.C. examines allowances paid to Gardaí RTE1  01.11.12
 > Garda chief stands by shutdown of stations  Independent.ie 02.11.12

Anger on plans to close 80 stations Examiner 02.11.12 > here

DEPT. OF JUSTICE DIRECTS CUT IN GARDA PAY 02.10.12
The Dept of Justice arbitrarily directed that the daily Garda pay divisor should be 365.26 to take account of the leap year - as opposed to 365 as has always been agreed. The Commissioner has advised that the resulting  “overpayment” be deducted from pay, for a member of Gda rank Pt.12, net, on 04/10/12 €2.12; 01/11/12 €7.95; 29/11/12 €0.89. The GRA has made clear we view this as a Breach of the Croke Park Agreement; of Conciliation Council Agreements & is an arbitrary interference with pay without advising affected members. The Association is currently receiving Legal Advice on this matter.

GRA CHALLENGE GAGGING ORDER OVER CLOSURE OF STATIONS 26-09-12
The GRA has begun High Court proceedings against the Garda Commissioner aimed at overturning a directive forbidding members to lobby politicians on station .. RTE.ie 26-09-12 > here;   Irish Independent 26-09-12  > here Irish Times 27.09.12   > here; Irish Independent 27-09-12 > here ; Donegal Democrat 27.09.12     > here .

ADDITIONAL FUNDING NEEDED FOR GARDA BUDGET 26.09.12
GRA President, John Parker has called for the provision of additional funding for the Garda Budget. He said “.. words are one  thing - actions are another.. .” Listen to the Newstalk Radio interview  > here  “We need Actions Not Words”  BreakingNews    > here  Irish Examiner    > here

THIN BLUE LINE IS STRETCHED TO THE POINT OF BREAKING
GRA President John Parker writes in the Irish Daily Star 26.09.12  > read here

Download Working Time agreement 21.09.12
Download a copy of the Working Time Agreement agreed at Westmanstown with Management on 11.09.12 & view of copy of Gen Sec PJ Stone’s accompanying Circular (18.09.12)
 >  here

Govt Publishes Review of Public Service Allowances Weds 19.09.12
The GRA welcomes the publication of the Report on the Review of Public Service Allowances which took account of the Association’s strong representations in recognising the importance & validity of retaining current allowances paid to our membership & also to the approval for payment of allowances to new beneficiaries, including those appointed to positions but not paid the relevant allowance whilst the Review was underway. The Association is gravely concerned at proposals to remove Allowances - such as Rent Allowance - for new entrants & will be engaging & insisting that this is addressed in any discussions that may lead to a successor to the Croke Park Agreement.
View the Government Statement > here & View Detailed Outcome of the Review of Allowances > here

ROSTERS WORKING TIME AGREEMENT agreed
Tues. 11.09.12 All parties to the Westmanstown discussions,  have agreed the draft WTA - as approved by the GRA executive on the 4th Sept. Copies of the WTA are being prepared for circulation to each member of the Association.
 > Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan welcomes Agreement
 > View & access the European Working Time Directive (EWTD)
 > View/Download NEW Roster Mini-Calendars  > Core Units > Non-Core Units
 > Unit Combinations Married / Partnered  > here.
 > Summary Pilot Rosters & Unit Allocation here (05.03.12)

keep local stations newstalk 03.09.12
GRA vice-president Dermot O'Brien outlines the importance of keeping local Garda Stations at the heart of rural communities. > here

ROSTERS: ACCEPTANCE OF WORKING TIME AGREEMENT Tues. 04.09.12
The GRA Executive has voted to accept the terms of the draft Working Time Agreement (WTA), provisional on the removal of the words “tour of” from Sect. 12.4 of the draft. This relates to the calculation of the 24hr period, in effect commencing from the start-time of any ‘duty’. This is fundamental as it determines the start-time of the 24hr period during which it is mandatory to provide 11hrs consecutive Rest as per the EWTD.

If agreed, a Policy Document will be drawn up involving all Staff Associations, setting out practical examples of the operation of the various aspects of the WTA, followed by the delivery of a Training Programme on the WTA for all members.

GRA says patrol car shortage is hampering policing RTE.ie 09.08.12
Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s ‘News at One’, GRA President John Parker said that ability to serve communities has been hit by the patrol car shortage & criticized plans for further Station closures. Listen to the Radio Interview Live  -   > Real player  > Via web

Full Media Coverage  >

  > Gardaí are ‘at breaking point and no longer equipped to protect rural areas’ Irish Examiner 09.08.12

  > Gardaí blame 'alarming' rise in burglaries on cuts. John Parker of the Garda Representative Association, which represents 11200 officers, said: "Criminals know that there are less Gardai on the roads and they ...   Irish Independent 10.08.12

  > Garda body says car loss affecting policing. John Parker said the GRA was not “crying wolf”, pointing out that by the end of this year 580 Garda vehicles will have been decommissioned since 2009  Irish Times 11.08.12

  > The President of the Garda Representative Association criticised the minister's comments, saying that further station closures were “ill-thought out and ... 
Crime stats shouldn’t be ‘stick to beat gardaí with’, says TD. Niall Collins TD is urging Minister Alan Shatter not to close more Garda stations. thejournal.ie 19.08.12

  > Gardaí fear crime rates will be used to justify closures. GRA president John Parker said many part-time and one-man Garda stations cost in the region of €3000 to run annually. He believed more closures would bring ...   Irish Times 21.08.12

  > Fearing a future without a Garda station nearby – Camolin, Co. Wexford. The Garda Representative Association, which represents 11300 rank-and-file gardaí in the 13500- strong force, says the programme of station closures in…. Irish Times 21.08.12

  > Garda stations at risk. John Parker, spokesperson for the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and based in Mallow was critical of the way the Government has prepared the way to ... Cork Independent 23.08.12

City's suburbs worst hit by rise in burglaries surge: Southside areas are hit by break-ins. Herald.ie 20.08.12
John Parker of the Garda Representative Association said this month that criminals know there are fewer gardai on the roads and, as a result, they know there is less chance of getting caught.   >  here

New Garda Compensation Scheme 02.08.12 
GRA President John Parker has has welcomed the publication of the draft of the new proposed Garda Compensation Scheme   > Irish Times  > Examiner

ROSTERS UPDATE Weds. 25.07.12
Discussions on the Rosters draft Working Time Agreement progressing. Talks recommence 7 a.m. Thurs 26th July at Westmanstown.

call for urgent recruitment  18.07.12
GRA President John Parker has called for the urgent recruitment of rank & file gardaí on front line policing. View coverage & statement  > here
“GRA president John Parker said policing is an investment, not an expense.... “ Journal.ie 18.07.12
“Call for immediate and urgent recruitment...” Irish Times 18.07.12

ROSTERS UPDATE Weds. 18.07.12
Discussions on the Rosters draft Working Time Agreement recommenced at Westmanstown on Tues. 17th July & continued Weds a.m. 18th July.

ROSTERS UPDATE Tues. 17.07.12
Discussions on the Rosters draft Working Time Agreement recommence at Westmanstown on Tues. 17th July & possibly Weds a.m. 18th July.

GRA President's Statement 2.7.12
Following sentencing for the serious assault on Garda Helena Power (Clonmel).  > here

ROSTERS UPDATE Fri. 29.06.12
Progress is ongoing & discussions on the draft Working Time Agreement recommence at Westmanstown on Tuesday 3rd July .
In the absence of a WTA, the full terms of the European Working Time Directive applies since the inception of the new Pilot Roster(s) on Mon 30th April.
 > View & access the European Working Time Directive (EWTD)
 > View/Download NEW Roster Mini-Calendars  > Core Units > Non-Core Units
 > Download (A4 size) Core & Non-Core Roster Calendars for all 5 Units
 > Summary Pilot Rosters & Unit Allocation here (05.03.12)

Gardai to lose 300 squad cars
GRA vice-president Dermot O'Brien has expressed concern that a shortage of patrol cars would put officers and public at risk. > here

A Day at the Races for all Gardaí
At Roscommon Race Track on Monday the 9th July at 5.30 p.m.  > Details here

ROSTERS UPDATE Fri. 08.06.12
Discussions on the draft Working Time Agreement  will recommence at Westmanstown on Mon. 18th June next.
In the absence of a WTA, the full terms of the European Working Time Directive applies since the inception of the new Pilot Roster(s) on Mon 30th April.
 > View & access the European Working Time Directive (EWTD)
 > View/Download NEW Roster Mini-Calendars  > Core Units > Non-Core Units
 > Download (A4 size) Core & Non-Core Roster Calendars for all 5 Units
 > Summary Pilot Rosters & Unit Allocation here (05.03.12)

Life assurance scheme 01.06.12
The Association’s Executive has agreed the renewal of the Life Assurance Scheme for a period of 2 years from 1st June 2012, with no increase in premium & no reduction in Benefits for Serving Members. > Details here

ROSTERS UPDATE Tues 29.05.12
Discussions on the draft Working Time Agreement  takes place at Westmanstown on Tues 29th, Weds 30th and Thurs 31st May.
In the absence of a WTA, the full terms of the European Working Time Directive applies since the inception of the new Pilot Roster(s) on Mon 30th April.
 > GRA Presentation on EWTD
 > Text of EWTD

European Working Time Directive 27.04.12
Information on key points as to how the EWTD will apply to Rosters from Mon. 30th April ‘12 - (in the abscence of any agreed Working Time Agreement)
 > GRA Presentation on EWTD
 > Text of EWTD

ROSTERS UPDATE Weds. 25.04.12
There is, as of now, no agreed Working Time Agreement. The draft WTA was  discussed at Westmanstown on Tues 24-04-12 without conclusion.
In the absence of a WTA, the full terms of the European Working Time Directive will apply on the inception of the new Pilot Roster(s) on Mon 30th April next.
 > View & access the European Working Time Directive (EWTD)
 > View/Download NEW Roster Mini-Calendars > Core Units > Non-Core Units
 > Download (A4 size) Core & Non-Core Roster Calendars for all 5 Units
 > Summary Pilot Rosters & Unit Allocation here (05.03.12)

ROSTERS UPDATE Weds. 25.04.12
The GRA Executive agreed a revised Draft Working Time Agreement on Thursday 12th April, as the basis for negotiation with management & presented same on 13th April. This draft WTA was again discussed at a meeting of the Rosters Working Group at Westmanstown on Tues. 24-04-12 without conclusion.
 > View/Download NEW Roster Mini-Calendars > Core Units > Non-Core Units
 > Download (A4 size) Core & Non-Core Roster Calendars for all 5 Units
 > Summary Pilot Rosters & Unit Allocation here (05.03.12)
 > View & access the European Working Time Directive (EWTD)

PRESIDENT / VICE-PRESIDENT 
Congratulations to John Parker, Cork Nth Divis, on his election as GRA President & to Dermot O’Brien, Galway Divis, on his election as GRA Vice-President at Annual Conference 2012.

Address to minister for justice - Annual Conference 2012
View full video of the GRA President Damien McCarthy’s address to the Minister for Justice at Annual Conference 2012 on You Tube > here

CONFERENCE 2012 Media Coverage
 > President Damien McCarthy’s full address to Minister for Justice Alan Shatter T.D. 17th April 2012 – YouTube Video
 > How closure of rural Garda stations is encouraging the law of the jungle Independent.ie 22.04.12
 > Little justice in getting tough on 'soft' minister when system needs fixing Independent.ie 22.04.12
 > Defence forces stand by recruitment IrishExaminer.com 19.04.12
 > Gardai shatter TD’s tough crime stance TheSun.co.uk 19.04.12
 > Gardai: Take the cuffs off recruitment TheSun.co.uk 19.04.12
 > Garda leader hits back in Shatter war of words Independent.ie 19.04.11
 > Garda president bites back in Shatter row   InsideIreland.ie 19.04.12
 > GRA president denies denigrating Defence Forces IrishTimes.com 19.04.12
 > Shatter defiant as Gardaí claim he is soft on crime Herald.ie 18.04.12
 > Recruits row rumbles on between Shatter and GRA IrishExaminer.com 18.04.12
 > Minister hits back at Garda leaders LancashireEveningPost 17.04.12
 > Association claims Shatter soft on crime IrishTimes 17.04.12
 > Station closure - community exposure LeitrimObserver.ie 18.04.12
 > Special Garda Operation targeting Mobile Criminal Gangs RTE.ie Audio 18.04.12
 > Callinan: members of force not at risk BreakingNews.ie 17.04.12
 > Minister hits back at Garda leaders Drogheda-Independent.ie 17.04.12
 > 80 Gardaí in dark over plan to close Harcourt Terrace Herald.ie 17.04.12
 > Shatter: GRA claim 'not a credible allegation' Irishexaminer.com 17.04.12
 > GRA chief McCarthy attacks Shatter's record Irishexaminer.com 17.04.12
 > GRA Chief attacks Minister’s record Independent.ie 17.04.12
 > Reverse Garda station closures demand – GRA SligoToday.ie 17.04.12
 > PJ Stone GRA Gen Sec on Garda station closures RTE News at One Audio 17.04.12
 > Ireland 'on brink of police crisis' StamfordMercury.co.uk 17.04.12
 > Top garda warns of looming crisis in policing Independent.ie 17.04.12
 > ‘Garda morale hits the floor over cutbacks’ TheSun.co.uk 17.04.12
 > Garda Association warns of policing crisis due to cuts Newstalk.ie Audio 17.04.12
 > GRA calls for end to garda cuts as two more robberies take place in Donegal HighlandRadio.com 17.04.12
 > Garda Representative Association accuses Alan Shatter of being 'soft on crime' Rte.ie Audio + Video 17.04.12
 > Gardaí to resist any further closures of stations Irish Times 17.04.12
 > Ireland 'on brink of police crisis' Belfast Telegraph 17.04.12
 > Garda station campaign steps up a gear WestCorkTimes.com 16.04.12
 > Garda association wants station closures reversed Newstalk.ie 16.04.12
 > Gardaí criticise station closures Irish Times 16.04.12
 > Justice Minister urged to reconsider Garda station closures Rte.ie 16.04.12
 > Ombudsman failing to scrutinise spurious complaints, say Gardaí Irish Times 16.04.12
 > Officers slam plan to shut stations Independent.ie 16.04.12

annual delegate conference
GRA The Garda Representative Annual Delegate Conference will be held on Tues. 17th April & Weds. 18th April 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone Co. Westmeath.
 > View the President’s Opening Address
 > View Conference 2012 Agenda
 > View Conference Business Programme

ROSTERS UPDATE Fri. 13.04.12
The GRA Executive yesterday agreed a revised Draft Working Time Agreement, as the basis for negotiation with management. This draft WTA is being presenting today at a meeting of the Rosters Working Group at Westmanstown.

E.A.P. DUBLIN OFFICE Tues. 04.04.12
The Employee Assistance Officers’ DMR Office has moved to 16 Parnell Square East, D.1 as & from Frid. 30/03/12. Telephone numbers remain the same

Loughan House Report   29.03.12
GRA STATEMENT on issue of Loughan House Report. The GRA called upon the Minister for Justice and Defence to immediately address the errors made and inadequacies highlighted... President Damien McCarthy  said, “We are disturbed to discover the full facts and case history surrounding the soft sentencing and subsequent absconding of a convicted garda killer who had served only the early stage of his sentence. We requested this report and are astounded by its contents. It raises more questions than it answers.
 > View GRA Statement here
 > View Loughan House Report here
 > Escaped prisoner Martin McDermott had fled Loughan House before RTE.ie 29.03.12
 > Prisoner has been on the run since 1995 Journal.ie 29.03.12
 > Prison chief apologises for placing Garda killer in open prison ...  Irish Independent 29.03.12

ROSTERS UPDATE Sat. 24.03.12
Reference to the Implementation Team Workshops / Briefings on the Pilot Roster currently underway, it is important to note that this Association has not agreed a Working Time Agreement, Compensatory Rest principles or any Derogations to the European Working time Directive at this point.
 > View/Download NEW re-designed Roster Mini-Calendars  > Core Units > Non-Core Units
 > Download (A4 size) Core & Non-Core Roster Calendars for all 5 Units
 > Summary Pilot Rosters & Unit Allocation here (05.03.12)
 > View & access the European Working Time Directive (EWTD)

ROSTER Micro-CALENDARs (DiaRY SIZE)
April 2012 - April 2013
View or/ Download Printable Micro-Calendars (Diary Size) for Pilot Rosters showing all dates from 30 April 2012 to 29 April 2013 for all Units:-
 > CORE UNITS Calendars
 > NON-CORE Calendars

Calls FoR INQUIRY Fri. 16.03.12
GRA President Damien McCarthy has called, following the escape  from a low security open prison, for a full inquiry into how the person convicted of the manslaughter of the late Garda Brian McLoughlin was transferred from a secure prison to an open prison and demanded “legislation that protects us in the course of our duty”.
View RTE Six One interview > here
 >  The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has also demanded a full inquiry Irish Times 16.03.12
 > GRA says the anger within the force is immense and there are other serious questions that need to be answered. Newstalk 16.03.12
 > The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has accused the Government of being "soft" on criminals. Examiner 16.03.12
 >  Minister apologises to family for escape of Garda killer Irish Times 16.03.12
 >  GRA president Damien McCarthy said serious questions needed to be answered. "It sent out the wrong message, ... Irish Independent 17.03.12
 > Investigation Launched into prisoner escape Irish Examiner 17.03.12
 >   President of the GRA Damien McCarthy welcomed the announcement of an investigation but said specific questions had to be asked. Herald.ie 17.03.12

ROSTER CALENDARS 30 APRIL 2012 - 29 APRIL 2013
View and/or Download Printable Mini-Calendars (7”x3”) for Pilot Rosters showing all dates from 30 April 2012 to 29 April 2013 for all Units:
- all Core Units Roster Calendars here
View and/or Download Printable Mini-Calendars (7”x3”) for Pilot Rosters showing all dates from 30 April 2012 to 29 April 2013 for all Units:
- all Non-Core Units Roster Calendars here

ROSTERS UPDATE Fri. 09.03.12
Reference to the Implementation Team Workshops / Briefings on the Pilot Roster currently underway, it is important to note that this Association has not agreed a Working Time Agreement, Compensatory Rest principles or any Derogations to the European Working time Directive at this point.
 > View/or Download Roster Mini-Calendars  > Core Units > Non-Core Units
 > Download (A4 size) Core & Non-Core Roster Calendars for all 5 Units
 > Summary Pilot Rosters & Unit Allocation here (05.03.12)
 > View & access the European Working Time Directive (EWTD)

ROSTERS UPDATE Weds. 07.03.12
Reference to the Implementation Team Workshops / Briefings on the Pilot Roster currently underway, it is important to note that this Association has not agreed a Working Time Agreement, Compensatory Rest principles or any Derogations to the European Working time Directive at this point.
 > Download  Core & Non-Core Roster Calendars for all 5 Units
 > Summary Pilot Rosters & Unit Allocation here (05.03.12)
 > View & access the European Working Time Directive (EWTD)
 > View  GRA Circular of 29.09.11 on Rosters here

ANNUAL CONFERENCE DATE 07.03.12
The GRA Executive has agreed to bring forward the date of Annual Delegate Conference by 2 weeks. It will now take place on 17/18 April 2012, as the original date coincided with the launch of the new Pilot Roster on the 30th April.

ROSTERS UPDATE Mon. 05.03.12
The Gda Commr has advised that the Pilot Roster will commence on 30th April ‘12. We are seeking to address outstanding issues in the Working Time Agreement re compensatory rest. We have secured agreement that “Late1” tours will finish at 10 pm for Core / Non-Core Units.
 > Download  Core & Non-Core Roster Calendars for all 5 Units
 > Summary Pilot Rosters & Unit Allocation here (05.03.12)
 > View  GRA Circular of 29.09.11 on Rosters here
 > Gen Sec PJ Stone - Context of Discussions

Unit Combinations Sun 04.03.12
Download Printable word-doc showing variations of how Unit Combinations affect Child-Care & time-off for members Married / Partered to members > here.

rosters CALENDAR 27.02.12
View the Roster configuration from 30th April 2012 to 8th July 2012 for both Core & Non-Core Units; Start Date / End Date to 14 April 2013 for each 10-Week Cycle & Download a Printable word-doc Calendar for each Unit, both Core & Non-Core Units > here

Detectives Roster Fri. 24.02.12
Copies of the draft Detective Roster are with your local GRA representative or with your Central Executive Committee rep..

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Tues. 21.02.12
The Gda Commr has advised that the Pilot Roster will commence on 30th April ‘12. We are seeking to address outstanding issues in the Working Time Agreement re compensatory rest. We have secured agreement that “Late1” tours will finish at 10 pm for Core / Non-Core Units.
> View separate Core & Non-Core pilot Rosters (21/02/12) here
> Download Print Version here

GRA OPPOSE FIREARMS CUTS PLAN
Irish Times 15.02.12
The GRA expressed its shock that the proposal to scale down the Garda’s armed capability had been drawn up “without any feasibility study or risk assessment”. > here
February Garda Review Editorial > here

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Weds. 15.02.12
The GRA Executive on 09/02/12 accepted to agree in principle the Westmansown Roster proposal, subject to some changes. Discussions continue Weds. 15th Febr to finalise the Roster, Working Time Agreement & Start Date. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed on any Pilot Roster

ALLOWANCES 11 Febr. 2012
We have received a number of queries re difficulties re TUI allowances. This does not apply to members of an Garda Siochana.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Thurs. 09.02.12
The GRA Executive today accepted to agree in principle the Westmansown Roster proposal, subject to some changes. Discussions resume Fri. 10th Febr to finalise the Roster, Working Time Agreement & Start Date. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed on any Pilot Roster

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Weds. 08.02.12
GRA Executive meet Weds. 8th Febr. & Thurs. 9th Febr. to consider progress on Roster negotiations.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Tues. 07.02.12
Discussions ongoing Tues. 7th Febr. on Wk Time Agreement & on draft D/O’s Roster.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Mon. 06.02.12
Discussions continue Mon. 6th Febr. on Wk Time Agreement & on draft D/O’s Roster. CEC to resume when those available. See link below to Non-Core & Core Draft Rosters There is no agreement as of yet on any Roster Pilot. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed on any Pilot Roster

WE'RE RIOT BEHIND YOU Sunday World 5th February 2012
Gardai back our campaign against the savage cuts >  here

SHOULD ALL GARDAI BE ARMED
In a recent survey on the Colm Hayes Show RTE2FM 19/01/12"Should every Garda on the street carry a gun?"   84% of public polled said Yes. Listen to Podcast > here

BASEBALL CAPS
The GRA welcomes the decision of 31/01/12 re the issue of baseball caps to specific members as it has campaigned for this for a number of years on safety grounds.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Tues. 31.01.12
Discussions continue Thurs 2nd / Fri. 3rd Febr on Wk Time Agreement & on draft D/O’s Roster. CEC to resume when those available.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Thurs. 26.01.12
Discussions continue Thurs 26.01.12 on Wk Time Agreement & on draft D/O’s Roster. CEC to resume when those available. See link below to Non-Core & Core Draft Rosters There is no agreement as of yet on any Roster Pilot. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed on any Pilot Roster

STOP THE COP CUTS
SUNDAY WORLD 23^rd Jan 2012
BLOCKED toilets at Garda stations taking weeks to fix, broken cells permanently closed because of routine maintenance problems and murder detectives being told to leave crime scenes and eat their sandwiches back at the station to save money.

Welcome to An Garda Siochana in 2012. A force mired deep in a crisis that is about to get far worse. By the end of next month at least 298 officers, each with at least 30 years experience, will jump from the sinking ship.... TIME TO STOP COP CUTS Read full article > here

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Tues. 17.01.12
Discussions at Westmanstown from Weds 18.01.12 on Wk Time Agreement & on draft D/O’s Roster. CEC to resume when those available. See link below to Non-Core & Core Draft Rosters There is no agreement as of yet on any Roster Pilot. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed on any Pilot Roster
> View text Summary of Roster Proposals
> View both Draft Core & Non-Core Rosters Proposals here
> View  GRA Circular of 29.09.11 on Rosters here
> Gen Sec PJ Stone - Context of Discussions

LEAVE - ROSTERS 15.01.12
The GRA wish to clarify that, contrary to a Sunday newspaper article of the 8th January, the  Roster proposals under discussion contains NO alteration or increase to Annual Leave. Reference to hundreds of days  annual leave under the new proposals is incorrect.
Rest Days , many of which are Mandatory under E.U. legislation after night-tours finishing at 7.00 am, apply to all workers, and will be calculated to take account of e.g. any 10-hour shifts in any new arrangements. Our President’s letter to the Editor in this regard was printed in the Sunday Independent of 15.01.12 View  > here

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Thurs. 12.01.12
See link below to Non-Core & Core Draft Rosters  There is no agreement as of yet on any Roster Pilot. Discussions to continue on Working Time Agreement & on draft Detective Roster CEC will resume when those are available. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed on any Pilot Roster
> View text Summary of Roster Proposals
> View both Draft Core & Non-Core Rosters Proposals here
> View  GRA Circular of 29.09.11 on Rosters here
> Gen Sec PJ Stone - Context of Discussions

LEAVE - ROSTERS 09.01.12
The Garda Representative Association wish to clarify that, contrary to a Sunday newspaper article of the 8th January, the  Roster proposals under discussion contains NO alteration or increase to Annual Leave. Reference to hundreds of days  annual leave under the new proposals is incorrect.
Rest Days , many of which are Mandatory under E.U. legislation after night-tours finishing at 7.00 am, apply to all workers, and will be calculated to take account of e.g. any 10-hour shifts in any new arrangements. The Association has sought that a correction be printed in this regard.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS / SUMMARY OF ROSTER PROPOSALS Fri. 06.01.12
Discussions on a Non-Core Roster have adjourned & will resume on Mon 9 /Tues 10 January.  There is no agreement as of yet on any Roster Pilot.  CEC discussions resume 11th Jan '12 to allow consultations with elected reps.
Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed on any Pilot Roster
> View text Summary of Roster Proposals
> View both Draft Core Rosters Proposals here (from Frid. 16.12.11)

TAXATION OF ALLOWANCES 03.01.12
The Revenue Commissioners have decided a range of Garda Allowances should be taxable from 01/01/12 & recommend changes to the Garda Doctor of Choice Scheme. > Details here

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Tues 03.01.12
Discussions on a Non-Core Roster resume on Thurs. 5th/ Fri. 6th January based on Westmanstown Proposal.

TWITTER FOLLOW Mon. 2nd Jan ‘12
Please note - you must email your Twitter Username + Reg No. + Date of Birth to h@gra.ie for verification to be added.
(as well as selecting to follow at www.twitter.com/gardarep )

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Friday 23.12.11
The Croke Pk. Implementation Body meeting held on the 22nd December adjourned until 19th of January for the purpose of dealing with rosters only.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Thurs. 22.12.11
Meeting of the Garda Implementation Body Thurs 22 Dec, to independently assess progress on Croke Park Agreement.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Weds. 21.12.11
Talks continue Weds 21st Dec. and Thurs 22nd Dec p.m. at Westmanstown on a Non-Core Roster.

TWITTER SIGN-UP Weds 16.12
We apologise for a delay in adding members to GRA Twitter Service due to the large volume of applicants. Note - you must email your details (Twitter Username + Reg No + D.O.B.) to h@gra.ie  for verification to be added.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Tues. 20.12.11
Talks continue Tues 20th Dec. at Westmanstown on a Non-Core Roster and Working Time Agreement.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS 5 p.m. Frid. 16.12.11
Contrary to an AGSI report there is no agreement as of yet on any Roster Pilot.  CEC discussions on same have  adjourned until 11th Jan '12 to allow for consultations with elected reps. The Roster Working Party meets next Mon 19th &  Tues 20th Dec. at Westmanstown.
Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed on any Pilot Roster.
> View both Draft Rosters Proposals here (from Frid. 16.12.11)

TWITTER SIGN-UP Fri. 16.12.11
We apologise for the delay in adding members to GRA Twitter Service due to the large volume of applicants & hope to address this over the next few days. Thanks for your patience and support.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS 11 a.m. Frid. 16.12.11
Contrary to an AGSI report there is no agreement as of yet on a Roster Pilot. Discussions on same continue today Friday 16th December at the GRA Central Executive Committee. Discussions of the Roster Working Party will continue on at Westmanstown on Mon 19th Dec & Tues 20th Dec. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed on any Pilot Roster.

NEW GRA TWITTER SERVICE
Follow the GRA Twitter service in two easy steps. As this is a protected account for GRA Members:-
1. Click Logo to follow “gardarep”
2. Email us for verification your Twitter Username + Reg No. + Date of Birth  >here

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Frid. 09.12.11
A new Roster proposal was identified at a meeting of the Rosters  Working Group held at Westmanstown on Thurs. 8th September last. It is a 10-week, 5-Unit Roster and has the potential to better match falling resources with demands, whilst giving improved rest-days off together. This will require much work - discussions resume Tues. 13th December.

Damien McCarthy speaks to George Hook re Closure of Stations | Newstalk 07.12.11
GRA President Damien McCarthy talks to George Hook on Newstalk re the announcement of a decision to close 31 Garda Stations with restricted opening hours for ten further Stations >here

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Weds. 7.12.11
At a Rosters meeting held on Weds 7th Dec. ‘11, Garda Management advised that on examination the 4 Association's roster Proposal would need an extra
3,000 + Gardaí to operate. This will not happen, & as a result they cannot agree the proposal. They will present a 5 week proposal on Thurs p.m. 8th Dec & discussions will commence on same.

BUDGET 2012
No increases in Income Tax; Increase in VAT by 2%; Increase in Carbon Taxes; Increased Mortgage Interest Relief for purchasers 2004-2008; Reduction in Child Payments for 3rd child +; New Household Charge of €100 pa > 2012 Budget and Estimates Measures Tues 06.12.11

Cuts in Public Expenditure - Garda Budget reduced by 8% - €114 ml; “.. Savings in respect of overtime of 10% and in allowances and premium payments of 5% ..” > Statement of Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin, T.D. Mon. 5.12.11

31 Garda stations set to close | Irish Times Mon. 5.12.11
31 Garda stations are to be closed next year. Opening hours of 10 stations are set to be reduced and 8 others non-operational will not reopen, > here
> GRA opposes closures  and reduced opening hours | Press Release 05.12.11
> Fears of a crimewave as 31 Garda stations to close | Herald 06.12.11
>  Damien McCarthy speaks on | Newstalk 07.12.11

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Thurs. 1.12.11
Discussions on Rosters will recommence Weds. 7th Dec. at Westmanstown.

DELAY IN DECEMBER PAYMENTS Newstalk Thurs. 01.12.11
There is widespread anger that earnings in Nov / early Dec will not be paid until Jan 2012. The GRA raised this with Pay Section & Finance last January to ensure that monies earned in 2011 would be paid in 2011. This means many members will not be able to make mortgage payments due in late December. Damien McCarthy, spoke to Ivan Yeates. Download the clip here 

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Weds. 30.11.11
Discussions on Rosters recommenced Tues. 29 Nov. at Westmanstown - and will continue this week.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Monday 28.11.11
Discussions on Rosters will recommence Tues. 29 Nov. at Westmanstown - and will continue this week.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Friday 25.11.11
Discussions on Rosters will recommence next week at Westmanstown - no date has been set yet for same.

GARDA Resources Cut due to State Visits Newstalk Weds 23.11.11
Damien McCarthy of the GRA on the Right Hook Show sets out that Garda Resources have been seriously cut due to the Garda Budget carrying the cost of the State Visits. Download the Newstalk interview here >

Garda may have to foot State visits security bill Irish Times 24.11.11
MINISTER FOR Justice and Defence Alan Shatter has suggested the Garda Síochána may have to absorb some of the €36 million cost of the security operations for the visits to the Republic of Queen Elizabeth and US president Barack Obama. The GRA has expressed concern at Mr Shatter’s remarks here >>
 

Don't make us pay for Queen's party - GARDAÍ Herald.ie 13.11.11
OUTRAGED Gardaí claim their resources are being recklessly stretched because the Government "hosted a party" for President Obama and Queen Elizabeth but are "now reneging on paying for it". General Secretary, PJ Stone, said: "Our political elite welcomed two of the most recognisable heads of state in the world to Ireland in May but has continued to resist paying for the security operation." Read here >>

UPDATE ON ROSTERS Weds 23.11.11
No agreement has been reached on any Roster, as of now - contrary to media reports. Discussions on Rosters recommenced Weds. 23rd Nov. 2011 at Westmanstown & will continue on Thurs / Friday  this week.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS  Monday 21.11.11
No agreement has been reached on any Roster, as of now - contrary to media reports. Discussions on Rosters recommence Weds. 23rd Nov. 2011 at Westmanstown & will continue on Thurs / Friday  this week.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS 16.11.11
Discussions of the Working Group on Rosters re-start on Thursday 17th November 2011 at Westmanstown.

GARDAÍ: WE'VE NO CASH FOR PATROL CARS Sunday Times 13.11.11
Stephen O’Brien Political Editor. Garda unions and opposition deputies have criticised the Department of Justice for failing to replace patrol cars which are forced off the road because of their high mileage...
Damien McCarthy, the GRA president, said: "Our members have reported many patrol cars being withdrawn and not replaced.  "Funding is a political decision. The political elite are asking the Garda Commissioner to police this country without the appropriate resources. Garda numbers are being reduced at the same time as budgets are constrained."... Read here >>

GARDA LOSE TRUST IN OMBUDSMAN OVER BOGUS COMPLAINTS Sunday Times 13.11.11
Mark Tighe. The President of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) said many of his 11,550 members had lost confidence in the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) and levels of trust were decreasing. Read here >>

Garda Cuts Impact Frontline Services RTE Radio 1: Mon 07.11.11
 GRA President Damien McCarthy sets out how Garda frontline services are being impacted by cutbacks. Listen to the interview here >>

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill 2011
The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Mr. Brendan Howlin T.D. launched the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill 2011 on the 29th September last. The Bill which is currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas is designed to alter the method of pension provision for all new entrants to the Public Sector, including an Garda Síochána. The main changes for new entrants are as follows:
- Moving from a system of calculating Pension based on 'final salary' to one based on a calculation based on a fraction of salary for each year worked, uprated by the CPI (Consumer Price Index)
- Breaking the link between Pay increases and Pension Increases & replacing this with a system of increasing Pensions post-retirement based on CPI increases
- Changing / reducing the system of 'fast accrual' for members of the Force
- Increasing the pension subsctription of Gardaí, above that of Public Servants
As a result the value of Pensions will be calculated on an annual basis over the course of a member's whole career. Where someone is promoted late in their career, such promotion will have a much minimised impact on the value of Pension. In addition, as Pension will be calculated per year worked the question of having to work "thirty years" to avail of pension will no longer apply. Instead members of an Garda Síochána will be able to avail of Pension, on retirement from age 55 - based on actual pensionable career earnings.
The Bill has also a potential effect on the Pensions of current serving or retired members as it contains an enabling provision which would allow the Minister to alter the method of applying increases in their Pensions post-retirement to one based on the CPI as above.
The Association met with officials of the Department of Justice, the Department of Finance and the Dapartment of Public Expenditure & Reform on the 3rd November 2011 and made an extensive oral / written submission on what we view as the discriminatory elements of the Bill.
View the text of the GRA's Submission on the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill 2011 here >>

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) and Remuneration Bill 2011 here >>

UPDATE ON ROSTERS 04.11.11
Discussions of the Working Group on Rosters are continuing. Talks at the moment are focussing on the development of a Working Time Agreement. A Working Time Agreement is an essential ‘backbone’ of rostering as it will provide accepted agreed parameters within which any Roster must be operated.

UPDATE ON ROSTERS - GRA CIRCULAR
View the text of the recent GRA Circular on Rosters Update of 29.09.11 here >>
Note that discussions of the Working Group on Rosters recommenced on Monday 24th October 2011 at Westmanstown & are continuing.

GENERAL SECRETARY – BACKGROUND TO DISCUSSIONS ON ROSTERS 20th July 2011
General Secretary, P.J. Stone sets out the context to Rosters Negotiations to date, including the implications of Roster compliance with the terms of the European Working Time Directive. This should be read in the context of the draft proposed GRA Roster, circulated individually to Association members. Read here >>

GRA condemns garda recruitment freezE
 The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has today strongly condemned the announcement by Government that there will be a ban on new recruits for the next two years. The latest 126 Gardaí are graduated from Templemore in Co Tipperary on Thursday 16th June.GRA president Damien McCarthy told KFM that the force has been decimated over the last two years. Read here >>

No more Garda recruits for two years sparks outrage Irish Independent 14-06-11
RTE.ie 14-06-11 Garda recruitment moratorium criticised
RTE AUDIO 14-06-11: Morning Ireland: No new recruits at Garda college in Templemore
RTE VIDEO 14-06-11: One News: Shatter defends garda recruitment moratorium
GRA condemns Garda recruitment freeze | Evening Echo 14-06-11
Closing the door on Garda college will only unleash new crimewave  Herald.ie 15-06-11
Figures show Garda retirements at three-year low Irish Times 15-06-11
GRA condemns Garda recruitment freeze – Irish Examiner-Ireland
RTE VIDEO: One News: 16-06-11 - Garda recruitment moratorium is 'temporary’ 

UPDATE ON DISCUSSIONS ON ROSTERS - May 2011
View a Report of the latest Update on Rostering Discussions, under the Croke Park Agreement, plus details of the research being undertaken in the area of Rosters here >>

ANNUAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE 2011
The Association's Annual Delegate Conference will be held at the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo on Tues. 12th - Weds. 13th April 2011. Click to view the:
- President' Opening Address >>
- Conference Agenda >>
- Conference Business Programme >>

ASSISTANCE FOR GRA MEMBERS WITH EBS MORTGAGES - MARCH 2011
EBS have introduced a new Financial Statement for GRA members getting into difficulty with Mortgage Payments, which can be downloaded from this site. EBS have also put in place a Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) for their mortgage holders. The purpose of the MARP is to set out clear guidelines for both mortgage holders and EBS in dealing with mortgage holders who are currently having difficulty, or feel that may have difficulty in the future in making their mortgage repayments. To download the Financial Statement or view the MARP Brochure click here >>

GRA CONDEMNS OMBUDSMAN'S 'EXCESSIVE & OPPRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR'
GRA President Damien McCarthy said its lawyers will be writing to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Minister for Justice , following a complaint from a Garda witness about the conduct of two members of the Ombudsman Commission and the manner in which the investigation into Garda Brendan Whitty was carried out. Garda Whitty was acquitted of assault by a jury following a six-day trial.
RTE Article  08-02-11
RTE One News 08-02-11 GRA President calls on Minister to establish an Inquiry
RTE Six-One News 08-02-11 Ombudsman Rejects Criticism + Damien McCarthy
RTE Nine News 08-02-11 Video President, Damien McCarthy
GRA Criticises Ombudsman Inquiry  Irish Times 08-02-11
GRA fury at watchdog for garda's trial Herald 08-02-11
Minister urged to intervene in Garda row Examiner 09-02-11
Garda Ombudsman Commission accused of "excessive" investigation Examiner 09-02-11

 January 2011

Gardai are suffering too, they deserve our sympathy Evening Herald 26-01-11
On any given night who would you expect to see behind bars in a Garda station cell? A mugger waiting for a court hearing next morning? A drunk sleeping off his excesses? Or a Garda, getting some kip because he can’t afford a car to drive home?

That’s the picture painted by members of our forces at the moment because the cutbacks in their pay have meant they can’t afford to run a car or make payments on loans.

Unsocial shift hours often means that public transport is out and some of them have resorted to spending the night, uncomfortably, in the police station as a last resort. . . .
Read the full Article by Sinead Ryan here >>

GARDAI STRUGGLING WITH CRIPPLING DEBTS - EVENING HERALD 24-01-11
GRA President Damien McCarthy said a large number of Gardai were in negative equity and struggling to repay loans following the public sector and Budget reductions in pay. "Those on starting salaries have seen their pay after tax slashed by €50 a week since 2008, while those between six and 10 years’ service are down just under €100 a week." Read the full Article by Jane Last here >>

Cold Cases To Lie Dormant as Part of Garda Cutbacks - Sunday Times 09-01-11
..Some specialist units are said to be already experiencing operational difficulties due to manpower shortages and increased workloads.  Damien McCarthy, the president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents rank and file members, said “the fraud squad is currently unable to cope with its workload.  It has reached breaking point in terms of dealing with the number of complaints it is receiving, at a time when financial crime is on the increase”.... Read the full Article by John Mooney here >>

REDUCTIONS IN NET PAY SEPTEMBER 2008 - JANUARY 2011
View the reductions imposed on net pay from 1st September 2008 to 1st January 2011 at various points on scale due to Income Levy, Pension Levy, U.S.C, and increased taxation here >>

BUDGET 2011 - NET PAY CALCULATIONS
View sample effects of Budget 2011 of Tax Increases, Universal Social Charge and other deductions on each of the Garda Pay Scales here >>

 November 2010

NATIONAL RECOVERY PLAN 2011 - 2014
Under the terms of the National Recovery Plan 2011 - 2014 (Four Year Plan) published on 24/11/10 Government has re-affirmed its commitment to honouring the terms of the Croke Park Agreement.
The Four Year Plan sets out the following:
- Extension of the "grace period" under which pensions are calculated by reference to pre - cuts rates of public service pay until the end of February 2012
- Average reduction of  4% in Pensions of existing Public Service Pensioners and those Public Servants who retire prior to end February 2012
- As a result, a built-in reduction in Pension on an ongoing basis for Public Servants who retire after end February 2012, as compared to those who retire before then (this is in addition to a reduction in Gratuity for those who retire after 1st March 2012).
- Setting a maximum number of members of an Garda Síochána of 13,000 to be attained by 2014 under the Employment Control Framework. This is an effective reduction of 1,500 in Garda numbers from 2010 levels.
- A reduction of 10% on the starting pay levels and New (reduced) Pension Scheme terms for all new entrants to the Public Service after 1st January 2011.
Further information here >>                              (View National Recovery Plan here >>  (Pages 65; 70; 72 & 128 refer)

GARDA SECTORAL AGENDA - PUBLIC SERVICE AGREEMENT 2010 - 2014
Discussions are continuing between the Association and Garda Management at Partnership on the various aspects of the Garda Sectoral Agenda, under the Croke Park Agreement, with a view to realising savings as set out in the Agreement. The items under discussion are those as accepted on ballot by our membership :- Rosters; Augmentation of Civilian Staff; new Report on Training; Performance Management; Reporting Arrangements; new I.C.T. Strategy; and Payment by E.F.T.

PRE - BUDGET SUBMISSION
As part of our umbrella body, I.C.P.S.A. (Irish Conference of Professional & Service Associations), the Association met with the Minister for Finance, Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D. on 17/11/10 and with the Fine Gael Party Spokesperson on Finance, Mr. Michael Noonan T.D. on 21/10/10 to present a Pre-Budget Submission on behalf of our membership. In the course of a wide ranging submission the Association stressed the need for a fair and equitable Budget spread across the entire workforce, that took account of the financial burdens already imposed on our members by way of Income Levies, Pension Levies, Pay-Cuts & increased mortgage interest rates. The Association was encouraged by the responses of Mr. Lenihan and Mr. Noonan. A date is being arranged for meeting with the Labour Party Spokesperson on Finance, Ms. Joan Burton T.D.

GRA SAYS FORCE NUMBERS LOWER THAN CLAIMED IRISH EXAMINER 23.11.10  & 26.11.10
GRA general secretary PJ Stone said the hit to garda numbers comes at a time when the profile of Garda reservists is being pushed throughout the force here >>
Garda numbers are vital to stem rising crime, the proposed further reduction is erroneous and a false economy," said GRA president Damien McCarthy here >>

 August 2010

GRA BALLOT ACCEPTS Public Service Agreement 2010 – 2014    27.08.10
Members of the GRA have voted to accept the terms of the ‘Public Service Agreement 2010 - 2014 (Croke Park Proposals) by a margin of three to one. The Central Executive Committee of the GRA had recommended acceptance of the deal, which guarantees stability in the area of pay, allowances & pensions - in return for agreeing a transformation agenda for the justice sector of the public service. The result of the Ballot was 75% For - 25% Against.
Gardaí back Croke Park agreement   Irish Times  27.08.10 >>
GRA vote to accept Croke Park proposals   BreakingNews.ie   27.08.10 >>
Public Service Agreement 2010 - 2014 (full text) >>.
View facilitator Kieran Mulvey’s clarifications on the Proposals >>

7 Garda cars out of service due to mileage  IRISH EXAMINER  27-08-10
Seven Garda patrol cars have been decommissioned in parts of Co. Cork due to excessive mileage - GRA Vice-President, John Parker and national executive member Mick Corcoran here >>

SHOULD ALL GARDAÍ BE ARMED  NEWSTALK   18.08.10
GRA President Damien McCarthy, in a forty five minute interview, debates the Association’s position on arming all Gardaí and a wide range of issues on Newstalk’s Coleman at Large; voice extracts from GRA Movie; General Secretary P.J. Stone & more. (Interview commences 13 minutes into segment) Listen here >>

 July 2010

GRA REPRESENTATIVE TRAINING SCHEDULE 2010
View details of the Schedule for the Association’s forthcoming Training Seminars for elected Representatives here >>

GRA BALLOT ON Public Service Agreement 2010 – 2014    30.07.10
The Association’s Central Executive Committee has agreed to recommend acceptance of the terms of the ‘Public Service Agreement 2010 - 2014 (Croke Park Proposals) to its membership, on the basis of the stability the Agreement offers.  Ballot Papers, together with detailed documentation setting out the terms of the Proposals, issued to all members on Fri. 30th July 2010.  Completed Ballot Papers must be returned to the Association’s auditors by 5.00 p.m. on Thursday, 26th August, 2010.
View facilitator Kieran Mulvey’s clarifications on the Proposals here >>
Garda body recommends pay deal to members  IRISH EXAMINER   28.07.10  here >>

 June 2010

Garda body warns justice system is failing society   Irish Examiner 29.06.10
In an editorial in the Garda Review general secretary of the Garda Representative Association (G.R.A.) P.J.Stone said: "The system of justice is breaking down." He said there was "chronic overcrowding" in prisons. Read here >>

Scandal and reform of Garda Letter to Editor Irish Times 05.06.10
GRA President, Damien McCarthy,  replies to irish Times article “Academic warns of more Garda scandal” in which a Belfast law lecturer who researched the findings of the Morris tribunal asserted that there will be more Garda scandals. Read the Letter to the Editor here >>

HUNDREDS OF court, Garda interpreters have no qualification  Irish Times   07.06.10
Hundreds of interpreters working in the courts and for the Garda have no formal ... The GRA has also raised concerns over  standards here >>
No quality controls laid down for courts and Garda translators   Irish Times  07.06.10
Tom O’Sullivan, GRA,  says interpreters are not vetted and there is no system to check basic accreditation and language proficiency….

An Garda Síochána Roll of Honour List
On Saturday, 15 May 2010 the Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen TD officially opened the Garda Memorial Garden at the Dubhlinn Gardens, Dublin Castle in the presence of the Garda Commissioner, Mr. Fachtna Murphy, the Minister for Justice, Mr. Dermot Ahern TD, and representatives of the families of the 83 gardaí whose names appear on the Roll of Honour and who were killed in the service of the State. View Roll of Honour here >>

Macroom gardaí defer walkout over station row Irish Examiner 03.06.10
The organisation which represents rank-and-file members of the force, the Garda Representative Association (GRA), met with officials from the OPW earlier this week, ahead of the planned walkout at Macroom Garda Station on Tuesday next.... here >>

 MAY 2010

Draft Public Service Agreement 2010 – 2014 : CLARIFICATIONS  11.05.10
Faciliatator Kieran Mulvey, C.E.O. of the Labour Relations Commission, issued general Clarifications on the Draft Public Service Agreement 2010 - 2014 on the 6th May 2010 & following discussions with the Garda Representative Association, issued Garda-specific Clarifications on the Draft Agreement to the Association on the 11th May 2010. View both sets of clarifications here >>

GARDA REVIEW EDITORIAL - MAY 2010
“.. Ireland must never forget those gardaí who gave their lives on duty in service of their communities, but we must not remember them for how they died, but for how they lived. “ here >>

INCOME LEVY / PENSION LEVY CERTIFICATES 2009 24.05.10
Certificates of Deductions of Income Levy for 2009 are issuing to members this week. This certificate can be treated as a P60, where members feel there may be an overpayment - they may be raised with Revenue for reconciling. Pension Levy Deduction Certificates for 2009 will issue in the next three to four weeks.

An Garda Síochana Training & Development Review Group Report
An Garda Síochana Training & Development Review Group Report, prepared by the Working Group chaired by Mr. Pat McLoughlin can now be downloaded from the Garda website here >>   (Warning - Large File)
Comments of the Minister for Justice, Mr. Dermot Ahern, on the publication of the Report can be viewed here >>

Gardai claim cars are unfit for crime fighting  Herald.ie  21.05.10
By Cormac Byrne. GARDAI say they are being forced to drive around in a rickety old fleet of cars, most of which haven't passed the NCT. Members of the GRA ... Ultan Sherlock & Tom Keane comment here >>

Plans to rebuild gutted Garda station  Irish Examiner  17.05.10
Garda Representative Association (GRA) central executive committee member Mick Corcoran said the prefab Gardaí were now working from was not ideal…. Meanwhile, it is hoped there may be a resolution to a dispute in Macroom ….. Read here >>

Dunmanway native new president of GRA Southern Star  08.05.10
At 32, he is the youngest ever GRA president, which reflects the fact that most of the force is young – 60 per cent of Gardaí have just ten years' service ... Read here >>

Gardaí stall walkout after last-minute talks Irish Examiner  06.05.10
RANK-and-file Gardaí have decided to postpone a planned walkout of an archaic Garda station in mid-Cork for a month.  Pat O’Sullivan comments on Macroom here >>

PUBLIC SUPPORT GARDAí ON PAY     Irish Sunday Independent    02.05.10
The outgoing president of the Garda Representative Association, Michael O'Boyce, accused the Government. ... There is significant sympathy among the public for the position of the gardai in their fight for better pay, according to results of the latest Sunday Independent/ Quantum research poll …. "He is a hero, he should not be sacked. He should be promoted. In fact, why not make him Taoiseach," said one man. "He is only saying what we all think," a female responded said. Read the full report & view poll results here >>

Gene Kerrigan: Who knew telling the truth was sedition?   Irish Sunday Independent May 02 2010
….. What we don’t need is to shut people up when they speak their minds on matters of public policy. The complaint about the GRA, for some, is not what was said but because of who said it. But there’s no need to fetishise the concept of a non-politicised police force. We want the police politically neutral, not brain-dead.     …. Possibly the most sick, repulsive and yet hilarious moment in the whole farce came when Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said the GRA “owe the Irish people an apology”. It brings a new meaning to self-delusion. Read the Article in full here >>

POLITICAL PRESSURE ON GARDA    Letter to Editor, Irish Times    01.05.10
“Madam, – In September 2006 Garda Michael O’Boyce wrote an article for the Garda Review in which he advocated the establishment of an independent Garda Authority …. Mr Justice Morris, in the course of one of his reports, singled out Garda O'Boyce as a GRA representative “who refused to lie ……. In this controversy so far the dynamics that play out in a system of centralised government control of policing have gone unmentioned. As there are risks in high-octane political statements by Gardaí so too are there dangers in political pressure on An Garda Síochána (remember the GUBU years)? The latter should not pass without similar scrutiny and comment...” Dr MICHAEL MULQUEEN, ( Author of Re-evaluating Irish National Security Policy ) Lecturer, School of Languages, Literature, Culture and Communication, University of Limerick.
Read full letter here >>

NEW GRA OFFICERS
At the 2010 Annual Delegate Conference, Mr. Damien McCarthy was elected the Association’s President. Damien is CEC Representative for DMR South Central. Mr. John Parker, Cork North Division’s CEC Representative, was elected Vice - President. Outgoing Treasurer Mr. Dave McMahon, Kerry Division CEC Representative, was re-elected to the post of Treasurer.

GRA MOVIE - “ANGRY, BETRAYED & DISILLUSIONED”
View the GRA Movie - as premiered at the Annual Conference 2010 and on YouTube. Showing GRA members putting themselves on the line night and day on film while burdened y worries in the back of their minds about  reduced pay and its impact on their families. View here >>

ANNUAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE 2010
The Association's Annual Delegate Conference will be held at the Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick City on Tues. 27th - Weds. 28th April 2010. Click to view the:
- President' Opening Address >>
- Conference Agenda >>
- Conference Business Programme >>
- * View all the Print Media coverage of Annual Delegate Conference 2010 here >>
- * View and Listen to the RTE TV & Radio Coverage of Annual Delegate Conference 2010 here >>

Justice officials warned garda union over O'Boyce speech   Sunday Business Post  02.05.10
Early last week, senior officials at the Department of Justice tried to convince the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to abandon plans for a ... ?????

Sunday Independent Stupid Statement of the Week ﾫ The Cedar Lounge ... By Garibaldy  02.05.10
Last week, outside of the excruciating pension debacle, we had the petulant decision by our Minister for Justice to flounce away from a Garda Representative Association conference instead of taking on the growing evolution of the force ...

Gardai win battle against Government  PublicInquiry.eu  02.05.10
Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins said that the outgoing president of the Garda Representative Association, Michael Boyce, (GRA) should be removed from the force for such criticism of the Government, the Minister and Fianna Fáil. ...

The financial crisis hit Ireland hard. But don't sell it short ...  Worldbbnews.com    02.05.10
Last week, the Garda (police) commissioner Fachtna Murphy told his officers to stay out of politics after the president of the Garda Representative Association, Michael O'Boyce, gave voice to the popular belief that the ruling Fianna ...

Do not attack the Government, garda￭ are told    Irish Times    01.05.10
GARDA COMMISSIONER Fachtna Murphy has told leading officials from the Garda Representative Association (GRA) not to attack the Government or engage in ...

Of Vows and Men ﾫ The Punishment of Sloth    Blog by Hugh Green    01.05.10
……With this in mind, wouldn’t it be easier to say that the State has absolute command over whoever it chooses as its agents in the administration of the monopoly of violence, the waging of class war, and the destruction of all collective structures? Maybe it would……..

RTE AUDIO: Podcast -  Friday Gathering   Today with Pat Kenny   01.05.10
Pat was joined by Nora Owen, former Fine Gael TD and former Minister for Justice; Stephen Rae, Editor of the Evening Herald, and Harry Magee, Political Correspondent at the Irish Times to discuss the stories of the week.
http://www.rte.ie/podcasts/2010/pc/pod-v-30041024m28stodaywithpatkenny5.mp3

  APRIL 2010

Highland Radio ﾻ GRA bosses meeting with Commissioner Murphy this ...     30.04.10
GRA bosses meeting with Commissioner Murphy this morning. Posted: 30/Apr 07:56. Last Updated: 30/Apr 07:56. The Garda Commissioner will meet with the leadership of the Garda Representative Association later over the controversial speech ...

GRA to meet Garda Comissioner today |    Newstalk   30.04.10
The Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy will meet with the leadership of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) later over the controversial speech that was . .

Garda Commissioner to meet GRA today    BreakingNews.ie    30.04.10
... new GRA president Damien McCarthy - who has said he fully supports the sentiment and remarks of the speech - and to general secretary PJ Stone at Garda ...

Garda chief to warn GRA on political interference    Irish Independent    30.04.10
By Barry Duggan and Tom Brady,  GARDA Commissioner Fachtna Murphy will issue a stern warning to the leadership of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) ...

GRA Frontline Video - boards.ie   30.04.10
The film, which has been commissioned by the Garda Representative Association ( GRA), will give a unique insight into frontline crimefighting. ...

Irish Examiner    30.04.10
An Garda Siochána - Special role means special obligations ... outgoing Garda Representative Association (GRA) head Michael O'Boyce and GRA general ...

Meeting: warning to be issued    Irish Times    30.04.10
GARDA COMMISSIONER Fachtna Murphy has called GRA general secretary PJ Stone and new president Damien McCarthy to a meeting at Garda Headquarters, ...

East Coast News Centre: Justice Minister Calls For Apology From ...  By 30.04.10
Justice Minister Calls For Apology From Gardai. The leadership of the Garda Representative Association has been summoned to meeting with the Garda Commissioner, over proposed comments at their annual conference. ...

Ahern vows to block garda union -   MSN NEWS   29.04.10
Mr Ahern, who this week faced criticism in a speech planned but not delivered by Garda Representative Association (GRA) president Michael O'Boyce, ...

Ahern wants GRA to apologise to Irish people     RTE.ie     29.04.10
He also said that as long as he was the Minister for Justice, the GRA would never become a trade union. The Garda Commissioner said that he had called in ...

GRA will not become a union: Ahern    Belfast Telegraph   29.04.10
Mr Ahern, who faced a barrage of criticism this week in a speech planned but not delivered by Garda Representative Association (GRA) president Michael ...

Officers 'won't lose their jobs over debts'   Irish Independent    29.04.10
He said suggestions by Garda Representative Association leaders that gardai could be dismissed over mortgage debts were "laughable". ...

GRA speech 'reprehensible'    Irish Times    29.04.10
... that the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice had sent for the Garda Commissioner over the comments by the Garda Representative Association president. ...

Commissioner rejects claims garda￭ could be dismissed over debts   Irish Times    29.04.10
... refer to individual members falling behind with their mortgages because of financial difficulties, as the Garda Representative Association had claimed. ...

New leader backs controversial views    Irish Times   29.04.10
GARDA REPRESENTATIVE ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE: THE PRESIDENT of the Garda Representative Association has backed controversial comments by his predecessor who ...

The Speech That Was Never Delivered |   By breakfast Newstalk.ie   28.04.10
The outgoing President of the Garda Representative Association, Michael O'Boyce, was due to give a speech last night. That speech got a standing ovation at the GRA conference in Limerick – although it was never delivered. ...

Commissioner says no Gardai will be sacked over mortgage debts ...    Newstalk.ie   28.04.10
It follows a motion at the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association for a change in the regulations in the Garda Code, to remove the threat to those in arrears. Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy says gardaí with ...

Garda chief backs Government attack   Belfast Telegraph   28.04.10
Damien McCarthy, who is taking over as president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), said he supported "without reservation" his predecessor's ...

Ahern cancels GRA appearance - The Irish Times - Tue, Apr 27, 2010
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has cancelled his appearance at the Garda Representative Association (GRA) annual conference in a row over comments to be ... Ultan Sherlock …  Tom Keane … Ray Wims..

Comment thread on GRA President's Speech - Bock The Robber   Bock   28.04.10

RTE VIDEO: 28.04.10  Six One News: Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent, reports that Damien McCarthy supports the comments his predecessor made about the Government

RTE AUDIO:  28.04.10 News At One: Damien McCarthy, Incoming GRA President, says he has full confidence in his predecessor Michael O'Boyce

Call for removal of GRA president from force    RTE.ie    28.04.10
A Fianna Fáil TD has called for the outgoing president of the Garda Representative Association to be removed from the force for a speech, which was not ...

Justice minister pulls out of GRA conference over ...  Highland Radio    28.04.10
The Justice Minister says he's “extremely disappointed and dismayed” by the contents of an intended speech at the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association in Limerick. Dermot Ahern has pulled out of scheduled appearance ...

Minister and commissioner tell garda￭ to stay out of politics   Irish Times   28.04.10
REACTION: MINISTER FOR Justice Dermot Ahern and Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy have told the Garda Representative Association to stay away from political ...

Dermot Ahern throws a strop pulls out of GRA Conference address Page 4  28.04.10
The GRA can put its concerns to the Minister about the welfare of Gardai including what they are paid There is a big difference in that and saying things ...
 

RTE AUDIO PODCAST:    Today with Pat Kenny    28.04.10
GRA ROW.  Joining Myles were PJ Stone, General Secretary of the GRA, who says the association has not crossed a line, and Limerick Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins who says Michael O’Boyce’s remarks mean he can no longer serve as a member of the Gardaí.
http://www.rte.ie/podcasts/2010/pc/pod-v-28041016m13stodaywithpatkenny.mp3

Ahern snubs Garda over conference   Belfast Telegraph   27.04.10
In an unprecedented move, the minister told Garda Representative Association (GRA) president Michael O'Boyce he was also withdrawing his officials from the ...

12-year sentence for garda assault - GRA   Irish Times   27.04.10
Damien McCarthy, incoming president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), said it was a stiff penalty that was needed in modern Ireland. ...

GRA warns of 'garda corruption' - Irish - MSN News   27.04.10
Gardaí struggling to repay debts because of public sector pay cuts could be vulnerable to corruption, a rank and file leader warned today. - Gardaí

GRA dismisses claims they are best resourced force in Europe ...   Newstalk.ie  27.04.10
The Garda Representative Association has described as farcical claims by the Justice Minister that An Garda Siochana is the best resourced police force in

RTE VIDEO: 27.04.10 Nine News: Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent, reports that Dermot Ahern withdrew from the conference over remarks by GRA President Michael O'Boyce

RTE VIDEO: 27.04.10 Six One News: Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent, reports that Dermot Ahern withdrew from the conference over remarks by GRA President Michael O'Boyce

RTE VIDEO: 27.04.10 One News: Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent, reports garda￭ are unhappy with Justice Minister Dermot Ahern's assertion they are well resourced

RTE AUDIO:  27.04.10 Morning Ireland: Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent, reports the Garda Representative Association has warned that garda￭ who are not paid enough are at risk of becoming corrupt

RT￉ News GRA chief warns of possible garda corruption  27.04.10
RTÉ news, Breaking news, Irish news, international news, watch and listen to the latest TV and Radio News, from RTÉ Irish News Broadcaster

Corruption warning over gardai   Belfast Telegraph    27.04.10
PJ Stone, general secretary of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), said international experience has shown low-paid forces are susceptible to "being ...

Garda staff leader calls for easing of ban on part-time jobs   Irish Times   27.04.10
General secretary of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) PJ Stone said other countries with poorly paid police forces often experienced a culture ...

Garda￭ want job restrictions lifted - Irish - MSN News   27.04.10
Members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents almost 12000 gardaí in the 14500 strong force, are also seeking the abolition of a ...

Gardai Call For Mandatory 12 Year Sentence ...   By Gareth East Coast Fm   26.04.10
Rank and file gardai are calling for the introduction of a mandatory 12 year sentence for attacking a member of the force. It's one of 20 motions up for discussion at the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association, ...

RTE AUDIO: 26.04.10 Morning Ireland Garda￭ in Limerick for annual conference
Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent, reports that the theme of the GRA annual conference this year is 'Angry, Betrayed and Disillusioned'

Cash-hit gardai want to work as bouncers   Herald.ie   26.04.10
Rank and file gardai will make the request at the Garda Representative Association's (GRA) annual conference which begins this evening in Limerick. ...

Garda￭ want job restriction lifted   Irish Times   26.04.10
Members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents almost 12000 gardaí in the 14500 strong force, are also seeking the abolition of a ...

Garda￭ call for right to work as barmen and bouncers   Insideireland.ie   26.04.10
The Garda Representative Association has said its members should be allowed to work as barmen and security guards when off duty. At present gardaí are not ...

Call for mandatory sentence for attacking garda￭   BreakingNews.ie   26.04.10
It is one of 20 motions up for discussion at the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association, which gets underway today and looks set to be ...

Cash-strapped gardai demand scrapping of ban on 'nixers'   Irish Independent   26.04.10
The calls for rule changes will be made at the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association, which gets under way in Limerick city this evening ...

Garda￭ call for change in second job rules Irish Examiner 26.04.10
Gardai are calling for a change in the rules which prevent them from taking on ... discussion at the Annual Conference of the Garda Representative Association

Garda￭ in Limerick for annual conference  RTE.ie  26.04.10
The GRA have also called for the regulation on civil debts which says gardaí can be sacked if they get into debt to be abolished. ...

RTE Video: Six One News 26.04.10: Paul Reynolds, Crime Correspondent, reports that garda￭ want the rule that prevents them from taking up certain paid part-time jobs to be abolished

Gardai want changes introduced to boost pay | Newstalk Ireland's ...   Newstalk 26.04.10
The Garda Representative Association is to ballot it's members for industrial ... The Garda Representative Association will reveal later today whether its ...

Draft Public Service Agreement 2010 – 2014  13.04.10
Following discussions on Pay under the chairmanship of Faciliatator Kieran Mulvey, C.E.O. of the Labour Relations Commission, the Association’s Central Executive Committee has considered the ‘Garda Sectoral Agreement’ and ‘Public Service Agreement 2010 – 2014’ presented to it at those talks. Our Executive has made no definitive decision on either document but has placed a Motion on the Agenda of our Annual Delegate Conference to be held on 27th-28th April 2010 that 'Conference debates the implications of the Public Service Agreement with a view to balloting our members at the appropriate time’. View the Draft Public Service Agreement here >>

PAY TALKS 01.04.10
Discussions on Pay under the chairmanship of Faciliatator Kieran Mulvey, C.E.O. of the Labour Relations Commission concluded in the early hours of Tues. 30.03.10. The Association’s Central Executive Committee considered the ‘Garda Sectoral Agreement’ and ‘Public Service Agreement 2010 – 2014’ that emerged from these talks briefly at a Special Meeting held on 31.03.10 & will consider their terms in further depth at its scheduled meeting next week.

GRA ELECTIONS 2010
GRA elections to District, Divisional & Central Executive Committees, for a four year term, have concluded.  Nominations for President, Vice-President , Treasurer, & Standing Orders Committee to be submitted to GRA Office by 5.00 p.m. on Weds 07.04.10.   View full Election Timetable here >>

 MARCH 2010

LEGAL ACTION RE PUBLIC SERVICE PENSION LEVY - 25th March 2010
In his Judgement delivered on 25th March 2010, Mr. Justice Charleton refused the Association's application in our action for relief from the refusal of the Minister for Finance to exempt members of the Association under Section 8 of the Pension Levy legislation heard on 11th / 12th March 2010.

ACTION AGAINST PAY-CUTS
In accordance with the decisions of our membership as agreed in our recent ballot, our
Action against Pay-Cuts formulated by our Central Executive Committee as set out in GRA Newsletter 10/24 commenced today 22.03.10. Early indications are of heavy support for this Action throughout the country. The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors have offered their support & understanding for members in  this Action.
Action Form here >>

Gardaí begin work-to-rule Irish Times 22.03.10
 
Gardaí begin 'withdrawal of goodwill'  RTE.ie  22.03.10
 
Garda mobile phone protest is underway Evening Herald 22.03.10

PAY TALKS 19.03.10
The Association will attend discussions on Pay which resume on Monday 22nd March 2010 under the chairmanship of Faciliatator Kieran Mulvey, C.E.O . of the Labour Relations Commission. The entire process is likely to last a further 5 - 6 days.

PAY TALKS 16.03.10
The Association attended discussions on Pay which commenced today under the chairmanship of Faciliatator Kieran Mulvey, C.E.O. of the Labour Relations Commission, and will re-commence on Thursday 18th March 2010. The entire process is likely to last nine to ten days.

Ballincollig to get new garda station - Corkman.ie 11.03.10
“... The poor condition of the station was further highlighted in 2007 by the Garda Representative Association ( GRA), after they branded the dilapidated ...”  here >>

PAY TALKS
The Association has been invited to Pay Talks, under the chairmanship of Kieran Mulvey C.E.O. of the Labour Relations Commission, on Tuesday 16th March 2010 and will attend to elicit as to whether there is any basis for discussion.

LEGAL ACTION RE PUBLIC SERVICE PENSION LEVY - Friday 12th March 2010
Judgment has been reserved until Thursday 25th March 2010 in the case of the Association’s legal challenge to the refusal of the Minister for Finance to exempt our members from the Pension Levy, under Section 8 of the Pension Levy legislation, which was heard on 11th / 12th March 2010.
 - GRA seeks pension levy exemption. Irish Times  12.03.10
 - “Legality Of Public Service Pension Levy” - boards.ie discussion

Irish Take Bitter Medicine To Survive Age of Red Ink - The Wall Street Journal 10.03.10
The respected  Wall Street Journal comments on the Irish economy and details the effects of Pay-Cuts on individual Gardaí - Robbie Peelo & Peter Egan. Read full article here >>

Schools, courts and hospitals in strike frontline. Irish Examiner 09.03.10

Courts face chaos over disruption by Gardaí.  Irish Examiner 09.03.10

RTE VIDEO: ESCALATION OF PUBLIC SECTOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION  08.03.10
Vice-President Damien McCarthy on Six One News. Ingrid Miley, Industry & Employment Correspondent, reports that unions say they will step up their protests, to include strike action. view here >>

GARDAI REFUSE TO USE PERSONAL EQUIPMENT FOR WORK RTE AUDIO: 08.03.10
Damien McCarthy, Vice President, Garda Representative Association, says as of 22 March, Gardaí do not wish to be contacted on their personal mobile phones. Listen here >>
Gardaí to refuse to take work phone calls at home. Sunday Business Post 07.03.10

GRA ELECTIONS 2010
GRA elections to District, Divisional & Central Executive Committees, for a four year term, are underway.  Ballot papers have  issued In Divisions which have C.E.C. elections, to be returned to Merry Mullen, Accountants by 5 p.m. Tues. 30th March 2010.   View full Election Timetable here >>

Emergency services in strike threat Herald.ie 08.03.10
The alliance includes the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, the Garda Representative Association, Impact, the Irish Nurses and Midwives ... here >>

ICTU considers further industrial action RTE.ie 08.03.10
As part of their campaign against pay cuts, the Garda Representative Association has said gardaí will refuse to use their own personal mobile phones, ... here >>

GRA ELECTIONS 2010
GRA elections to District, Divisional & Central Executive Committees, for a four year term, are underway.  Nominations for C.E.C. have now closed. In Divisions which have C.E.C. elections, ballot papers will issue on Tues. 9th March 2010.   View full Election Timetable here >>

ACTION FORM DOWNLOAD - FRIDAY 19TH MARCH 2010
To download the Action Form as advised by GRA Newsletter 10/24 click here >>

GRA ELECTIONS 2010
GRA elections to District, Divisional & Central Executive Committees, for a four year term, are underway.  Newly elected Divisional Committees must meet on or before Weds. 3rd March 2010. Nominations for C.E.C. to be forwarded to GRA Office by 5.00 p.m. Friday 5th March 2010. View full Election Timetable here >>

 FEBRUARY 2010

garda review editorial
“........ Police forces in Germany, Sweden, Spain and Holland are now among those to have their own trade union. This is the way forward. We should expect nothing less.”
February 2010 Editorial here >>

TAX RELIEF ON GRA SUBSCRIPTIONS
Members who were serving at the time of the introduction of Tax Relief on Trade Union Subscriptions in 2001 were automatically afforded this relief. Those who have joined since 2001 can avail of tax credit for their GRA membership subscription by simply phoning their local Tax Office - more here >>

LEGAL ACTION RE PUBLIC SERVICE PENSION LEVY
The Association’s legal challenge to the refusal of the Minister for Finance to exempt our members from the Pension Levy, under Section 8 of the Pension Levy legislation, will be heard in the High Court over two days on the 11th & 12th March 2010.

GRA ELECTIONS 2010
GRA elections to District, Divisional & Central Executive Committees, for a four year term, are underway. Successful candidates to District Committees have now been informed and newly elected District Committees must meet on or before Friday 26th February 2010. Newly elected Divisional Committees must then meet on or before Weds. 3rd March 2010. View full Election Timetable here >>

'Well-paid' gardai are warned off action by Ahern Irish Independent 16.02.10

RTE AUDIO: Ahern insists garda￭ do not have ability to strike 15.02.10
Dermot Ahern, Minister for Foreign Affairs, says that the gardaí should not 'bend with every whim'

UNITE CALLS FOR UNION SUPPORT OF GRA 15.02.10
Jimmy Kelly, the Irish Regional Secretary of UNITE and member of the Executive Council of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called for broad based trade union support of the Garda Representatives Association in its campaign against public sector pay cuts and the pension levy. Full Press Statement here >>

Editorial: Gardai must not break public bond Herald.ie 12.02.10

Gardai to take action against cuts - National News, Breaking News ... Corkman 12.02.10
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said 93% of its members will oppose public sector pay cuts and levies but will stop short of a repeating the ...

Garda survey: 93% in support of action | Irish Examiner 12.02.10
The results of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) questionnaire show of the 5540 replies received, 93% backed some form of industrial action short ..

More than half of gardai snub poll on action over pay cuts Irish Independent 12.02.10
MORE than half of the membership of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) did not vote in a survey to gauge support for taking industrial action over ...

Gardai to take action against cuts Belfast Telegraph 11.02.10
Rank and file gardai are vowing to launch a campaign of industrial action against Government cuts but will not go on strike

Gardai vote for industral action Financial Times 11.02.10
Of those, 65.4 per cent voted to engage in forms of action to be decided by the GRA national executive, but that stopped short of a withdrawal of services; ...

RTE News: Rank & file gardai will take industrial action
RTEnewsIreland says: Gardaí vote to take industrial action: The GRA says gardaí will take industrial action over the Government's pay a...

RTÉ Video: 11.02.10
Rank & file gardaí will take industrial action

RESULT OF GRA QUESTIONNAIRE 2 p.m. Thurs. 11/02.10 here >>
The Association thanks all members who participated and our Central Executive Committee will now formulate action to give effect to the overwhelming 93% of members who supported industrial action.

LEGALITY OF PUBLIC SERVICE PENSION LEVY - boards.ie discussion
“I believe that the GRA are challenging the legality of the Public Service ... from a part time job like every other employee can also gardai signed up to a ...” View here >>

ON PUBLIC SERVICE CUTS - OPEN LETTER TO T.D'S
An alliance of public service representatives call on Kerry government TDs to choose who they support – providers and users of public services or the wealthy elite here >>

REMINDER ! GRA QUESTIONNAIRE Tues. 02.01.10
GRA members who have not submitted their Questionnaire should do so now. Closing date for receipt of Questionnaires is 5.00 p.m., Weds. 10th February. Post it now!

Lenihan to defend pay cut U-turn for public service high earners Irish Times 02.02.10

70,000 Siptu workers to join pay-cuts protests Sunday Business Post 01.02.10
 

GRA ELECTIONS 2010
In accordance with the Association's Constitution and rules , GRA elections to District, Divisional & Central Executive Committees, for a four year term, have commenced. Nominations to District Committees have now closed and Ballot Papers have issued to Districts where elections will be held. Ballot Papers to be returned to Merry Mullen & Co. by  2.00 p.m., Friday 19th February 2010. View full Election Timetable here >>

 JANUARY 2010
 

Government signals pay flexibility in bid to woo unions Sun Business Post 31.01.10

195 PROMOTIONS GDA TO SGT 28.01.10
Following representations from this Association, we secured agreement in 2009 that despite the embargo, that the existing promotion list would remain and we wish to thank those responsible for this agreement. As a result the embargo has now been amended by the promotion of 195 Gardaí to Sergeant. View announcement here >>

RESOURCE ALLOCATION - REPORT OF GARDA INSPECTORATE 26.01.10
The Garda Síochána Inspectorate has released its Sixth Report - “Resource Allocation”. View the Report here >>
GRA won't cooperate with any attempts to change the force's roster system. IOL 26.01.10
The Garda Representative Association however said it won't cooperate with any attempts to change the force's roster system. GRA President Michael O'Boyce ..
Highland Radio > Gardai won't discuss new rosters - GRA Highland Radio 26.01.2010
A new report's recommending a shake-up of g arda rosters that would see more officers on the beat. The Head of the Garda Inspectorate Kathleen ...

Industrial action by unions will cause 'gridlock'  Irish Independent 25.01.10
 The Garda Representative Association, for instance, gets more than €235000 a year in funding from the Department of Justice. In addition, if the Government….

Strikes no longer the goal  Sunday Business Post 24.01.10
 Despite last week's move by the Garda Representative Association to pull back from its threat of industrial action, public service unions are gearing up for ...

SUNDAY INDEPENDENT / QUANTUM RESEARCH POLL 24.01.10
55% of those polled believe Gardaí should be armed and               Poll Results
40% would "support Gardaí taking some form of industrial action in protest at the Budget pay cut." News Article

Commissioner acknowledges the current difficulties facing rank and file Gardai Independent.ie 20.01.10

GRA canvasses members on future action  19.01.10
RTE.ie
The Garda Representative Association has decided to pull back from its threat of industrial action over pay and conditions. The association said today it ...

Questionnaire sent to GRA members  19.01.10
BreakingNews.ie
Garda rank and file leaders have sent a questionnaire to the 11500 members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to find out their views on taking ...

Industrial action by civil servants begins today 19.01.10
Irish Times
Meanwhile, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) is to seek the views of its 11600 members on possible industrial action against pay cuts. ...

GRA CANVASSING MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON INDUSTRIAL ACTION - 19th January 2010
The Garda Representative Association has despatched questionnaires to all 11,600 members, seeking their views on taking action in the event of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions engaging in further industrial action in relation to public sector pay. The GRA has taken this decision on moral grounds to establish the level of anger and desire to take action over the continued government policy to reduce Garda pay. Press Release here >>

GRA Questionnaire / Pay Cuts - 18th January 2010
Questionnaires have issued today to canvass the views of GRA members to Pay-Cuts imposed by Government in Budget 2010. All members are urged to participate and to return completed questionnaires

ﾀ30m bill for aiding injured Gardai 11.01.10
Irish Times
Mangan O'Beirne Solicitors – one firm which says it has acted for the Garda Representative Association for many years in pursuing such claims – notes on its ...

Garda￭ and Government recognise need to reform handling of claims 11.01.10
Irish Times
Overall, the Garda Representative Association says the level of compensation reflects the hazardous job that faces members of the force every day of the ...

Are public sector pay cuts fair? 07.01.10
Southern Star
'I have not seen this level of anger among gardaí since the 1990s,' said Michael O'Boyce, president of the Garda Representative Association, ...

Gruesome crime scenes taking toll on gardai 03.01.10
Irish Independent
An article by detective Garda Pat Ennis, the GRA representative in Garda Headquarters, describes problems in the technical bureau with lack of staff and ...

GRA PROTEST ACTION - January 2010.
All Garda members have seen their pay cut by in excess of 18% in the past year. All GRA members are urged to support the range of actions agreed on Tuesday 24th November 2009 and thereafter , to demonstrate their oppostion to these cuts and those included in Budget 2010. Members simply cannot sustain these cutbacks in Pay. Details are now being  circulated to each GRA member in writing.

OPPOSITION TO PAY CUTS
The Garda Representative Association wishes to thank all their members and also members of the public who have contacted our offices in huge volumes expressing their support for the Association's opposition to Pay Cuts announced in Budget 2010 and is greatly heartened by International messages of support in opposition to this Government’s dictatorial arbitrary cutting of Garda Pay - for the first time in the history of the State.

     DECEMBER 2009

Budget 2010
View effects of pay-cuts on Salary Scales & Allowances here >>

Garda cutbacks mean canteen jobs get chop 24.12.09
Herald.ie
"The personnel at the garda restaurant are engaged under the terms of a contract which was negotiated some years ago in association with Siptu and this ...

One leader's forgotten milestone serves to mark his rival's virtues 19.12.09
Irish Examiner
The current controversy between the Minister for Justice and the Garda Representative Association is reminiscent of a controversy involving Haughey within ...
 

Garda made the ultimate sacrifice, State funeral told 17.12.10
Irish Times
... Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, Deputy Commissioners Martin Callanan and Nacie Rice, head of the Garda Representative Association PJ Stone, ...

GRA reduces strike ballot to questionnaire in secret talks 16.12.09
Irish Times
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) spoke to Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy and agreed to survey its members on protesting about the reduction in ...

Authorities find cure for 'Blue flu' threat 15.12.09
Herald.ie
THE Garda Representative Association (GRA) is expected to back down over plans to ballot officers over industrial action. The potential climb down is ...

Gardai row back on strike ballot decision 15.12.09
Irish Independent
... been scrapped and, instead, it is understood that a questionnaire will be circulated among the 11600 members of the Garda Representative Association. ...

Officer died 'protecting community' 15.12.09
Irish Times
Garda Representative Association president Michael O'Boyce said: “Gary was a spirited young man who brought vitality, energy and enthusiasm to work every ...

Cuts necessary say public sector couple 15.12.09
Fingal Independent
The Garda Representative Association have announced they are to ballot members over industrial action, while other talks are continuing amongst other unions ...

GRA to row back on garda strike ballot 14.12.09
Herald.ie
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) is set to back down from plans to ballot members, according to reports, after its higher authorities threatened a ...

3 MOBILE - EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS FOR GRA MEMBERS - January 2010
The GRA have negotiated an Exclusive Offer with 3Mobile for GRA Members  & their families on all their products, with Discounts on Handsets / Pay Monthly rates / Best of Both & Broadband. To avail of these offers visit the 3 / GRA web site here >>

Taoiseach to visit Buncrana Garda Station 14.12.09
Irish Examiner
GRA President Michael O'Boyce also expressed his sympathy. “Gary was a spirited young man who brought vitality, energy and enthusiasm to work every day," Mr ...

Sorrow expressed at Garda's death 14.12.09
Irish Times
On behalf of all members of the Garda Representative Association, GRA President Michael O'Boyce issued the following statement on the news of the death of ...

Garda Gary McLoughlin R.I.P. 14th December 2009
It is with sadness and sorrow that we have learned of the tragic death of Garda Gary McLoughlin. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his parents, family friends and colleagues. His cruel death, once again, shows the dangers that Gardaí and other emergency services’ personnel face in carrying out their duties. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to Garda Bernard McLoughlin.

Garda body can use state funds for action 14.12.09
Irish Independent
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) is forging ahead with plans to ballot for industrial action after the government imposed pay cuts in the Budget. ...

Govt: Nothing to be gained from strike action 14.12.09
Ireland Online
The Garda Representative Association is also on a collision course with the Government after it announced a ballot for industrial action, even though it's ...

Garda reps face legal action over ballot 13.12.09
Ireland Online
Commissioner Facthna Murphy is prepared to issue direct orders to the leaders of the Garda Representative Association to cease their actions. ...

No strike, and that's an order -- gardai to be told 12.12.09
Herald.ie
The Herald understands that the order is being considered to be issued to the five members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) who staged a press ...

Will garda￭ strike a blow to the Government? 12.12.09
Irish Times
In an unprecedented and surprise move, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) announced its intention to ballot its members on industrial action. ...

Garda ballot a reckless move 12.12.09
Irish Times
For the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to hold a ballot on whether its members should withdraw protection from the public, strikes at the very heart ..

Ireland faces bitterness over public sector pay cuts 11.12.09
guardian.co.uk
The threatened action from the Garda Representative Association is part of a wider campaign against Brian Cowen's fragile Fianna Fáil/Green coalition that ...

Ireland: Gardai to ballot for strike action 11.12.09
In Defense of Marxism
The fact that the GRA are embarking onto what is probably illegal action, is just yet another sign that the situation in Ireland has passed onto a ...

Garda group defies demands not to ballot on industrial action  11.12.09
Irish Times
THE GARDA Representative Association (GRA) is to press ahead with balloting its members on industrial action despite warnings from Minister for Justice ...

FG appeals to garda￭ to reconsider strike ballot move 11.12.09
IrishExaminer.com
Both the Justice Minister and the Garda Commissioner have warned the GRA that gardaí could face criminal or civil charges if they withdraw their labour. ...

GRA to proceed with Garda ballot  11.12.09
Irish Times
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) is to press ahead with balloting its members on industrial action despite warnings from Minister for Justice ...

Fionnan Sheahan: Cowen clears hurdles but he must get off the fence 11.12.09
Irish Independent
AND Justice Minister Dermot Ahern was decisive in his countering of a thinly-veiled strike threat from the Garda Representative Association, which followed ...

Garda￭ to ballot for strike action 10.12.09
Irish Times
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) is to press ahead with plans to ballot its members on industrial action despite warnings that such action would ...

Justice spending cut by 8% 10.12.09
Irish Times
The cuts will likely exacerbate the strained relations between the Government and the Garda Representative Association. Despite the cuts, Minister for ...

Garda slashed in the face by armed raider is hailed as hero 10.12.09
Irish Independent
"Every day gardai go out and play Russian roulette with their safety," said a spokesman for the Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents ...

Just who exactly is in charge of this republic, Minister?   09.12.09
Westmeath Examiner
Stopping short of using the words 'treason' or 'mutiny', the Minister was quoted on RTÉ as saying that a Garda Representative Association (GRA) decision to ...

Gardai strike won't break law -- expert  09.12.09
Herald.ie
The general secretary of the GRA, PJ Stone, and its president, Michael O'Boyce were earlier called to talks at garda headquarters in Dublin's Phoenix Park.

Gerry O'Carroll: No end to the nightmare for heartbroken families  09.12.09
Herald.ie
My many years in An Garda Siochana taught me about the stress and strain placed on families of the disappeared. For the family of Damian O'Brien, ...

GRA to discuss strike action  09.12.09
RTE.ie
The Garda Representative Association is beginning a two-day executive meeting to decide whether to postpone or proceed with its ballot on industrial action. ...

Hero garda's face slashed in shop raid 09.12.09
Herald.ie
No arrests have yet been made, but a garda spokesman said a thorough investigation was ongoing. Last year, the Gardai Representative Association launched a ...

To deny Gardaí industrial rights is to treat them like slaves of the 19th century. PJ Stone:
Evening Herald 08-12-09
Opinion Piece: P.J. Stone General Secretary here >>

Murphy meets GRA over ballot  08.12.09
Irish Times
Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy today expressed his concerns about the decision of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to ballot its members for ...

Ahern says GRA ballot is 'affront to democracy'  08.12.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
MINISTER FOR Justice Dermot Ahern has launched a strongly-worded attack on the Garda Representative Association (GRA), saying its plan to ballot its members ...

Ahern warns gardai: do not cross thin blue line  08.12.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
Leaders of the rank-and-file Garda Representative Association (GRA) threw down a gauntlet to the Government by declaring it was going to ballot almost 12000 ...

Most officers retire from gardai as 'millionaires'  08.12.09
Irish Independent
Mr McCarthy refused yesterday to comment on the decision of the GRA to ballot its 12000 members on strike action, saying he did not want to get involved in ...

Irish police who strike could face prosecution  08.12.09
guardian.co.uk
Dermot Ahern, the justice minister, said industrial action by the Garda Representative Association was as an "affront to democracy". ...

GRA ballot 'challenge to authority of State'  08.12.09
RTE.ie - Ireland
Dermot Ahern was responding to the announcement earlier today by the Garda Representative Association that they will ballot its members for industrial ...

Leader's brushes with controversy in last 10 years  08.12.09
Irish Independent
PJ Stone has never been far from controversy as the leader of the Garda Representative Association. From Clara, Co Offaly, Mr Stone was a detective in ...

LRC boss urges Govt and Garda￭ to 'sort it out'  08.12.09
IrishExaminer.com
The Garda Representative Association took the unprecedented move yesterday in announcing it is to ballot its members for industrial action - even though ...

Cabinet meets for final briefing before Budget Day  08.12.09
Irish Examiner
Rank and file gardaí are to be balloted for strike by the Garda Representative Association over planned pay cuts despite being banned from taking industrial ...

Unions reconvene to consider options 08.12.09
RTE.ie - Ireland
Eugene Dennehy of the Prison Officers' Association echoed that anger and said he understood why the Garda Representative Association has decided to ballot ...

Union leaders plan response to talks breakdown  08.12.09
Insideireland.ie
Eugene Dennehy of the Prison Officers' Association echoed said he understood why the Garda Representative Association has now decided to ballot members for ...

Garda￭ face strike ballot  07.12.09
Irish Examiner - Cork,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association accepted it could be seen to be breaking the law. PJ Stone, GRA general secretary, said they had not taken legal advice ...

Garda￭ to be balloted on strike  07.12.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The move by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) represents a major escalation between public sector workers and the Government over cutbacks and ...

Garda￭ and unions prepare strike action  07.12.09
Irish Examiner - Cork,Ireland
Informed sources last night indicated the Garda Representative Association which represents rank and file gardaí barred by law from striking will discuss ...

24/7 FRONTLINE SERVICES ALLIANCE - Protest March 11th November 2009
The GRA wish to thank all members who supported the 24/7 Frontline Services Alliance Protest March on Weds. 11th November 2009 from Parnell Square, Dublin 1 to Dáil Éireann. Over 5,500 Alliance members supported the march and it is estimated that over 2,000 were GRA members. Visit the Website of the 24/7 Frontline Service Alliance here >>

More than ﾀ42m needed for Garda and defence pensions  03.12.09
Irish Times
He also told the committee the department was engaging with the Garda Representative Association to introduce new measures including paying wages on a ...

 NOVEMBER 2009

Striking twice: pay deadlock looms again  30.11.09
Sunday Business Post
They were advised by the Garda Representative Association that they were not obliged to issue fixed-penalty notices for offences such as speeding, ...

Unions warn negotiators not to sell out frontline staff 26.11.09
Irish Independent
General secretary of the Garda Representative Association, PJ Stone, said he was "cautiously optimistic" that the ICTU would deliver on a commitment to ...

CN strike looming here, but Ireland going completely off the rails 25.11.09
National Post - Toronto,Ontario,Canada
According to a story on the Irish Times newspaper website, a statement issued by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and Association of Garda ...

Unions return to pay talks  25.11.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
A statement issued by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) welcomed the renewal of the talks ...

Unions under fire as nation grinds to a standstill  25.11.09
Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland
Gardai are barred from strike action, but while officers did report for work this ... Mark Fielding of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises association ...

Off-duty garda￭ join pickets outside Garda stations  25.11.09
Irish Times
Gardaí on duty are precluded from taking industrial action but they were advised by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) that they were not obliged to ...

250000 Irish workers strike  25.11.09
Morning Star Online
General secretary of the 11000-strong police federation the Garda Representative Association PJ Stone said that there were 2400 civilian, ...

Unions may announce second day of strikes 24.11.09
RTE.ie - Ireland
The Garda Representative Association says this is because there is a security issue but the Garda at the gate is not in the security hut replacing the ...

Irish police to join picket lines for first time  24.11.09
guardian.co.uk - UK
PJ Stone, the general secretary of the 11000-strong Garda Representative Association (GRA), said that while gardai were precluded in law from going on ...

Public-sector strike to cause massive disruption  24.11.09
Ireland Online - Dublin,Ireland
Although the Garda is forbidden by law from striking, members have been advised by the Garda Representative Association they don't need to issue penalty ...

Public service disruption: When and where  23.11.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has advised members that they should continue to enforce all summary legislation tomorrow but that they should ...

Pulling the plug  22.11.09
Sunday Business Post - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association (GRA)has advised its 12000 members that they may ''use their discretion'' and issue warnings to members of the public ...

Garda￭ not to issue penalty points on day of action  22.11.09
Ireland Online
In a statement the Garda Representative Association said it had advised its members they were not obliged to carry out a number of usual functions during ...

Gardai to turn a blind eye to drivers on strike day  21.11.09
Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland
It is illegal for gardai to strike, but in a statement the GRA called upon members to exercise their discretion carrying out activities not covered by ...

Gardai will turn blind eye to traffic offences  21.11.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) told members that while they were expected to perform the core duties on the day, they could be lenient in ...

Garda￭ to hold off on penalty points during 'day of action'  21.11.09
Irish Times
In an internal bulletin the Garda Representative Association (GRA) has advised members that they should continue to enforce all summary legislation on ...

Garda cars suffering from ﾀ11m budget cut 21.11.09
Herald.ie
However the Garda Representative Association (GRA) is worried about the slashed budget. A GRA spokesman told the Herald: "Vehicles are being refurbished as ...

HSE to defer all non-emergency procedures on day of strike  19.11.09
Irish Times
Rank and file gardaí are also expected to support the planned national public service strike. Members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), ...

'Blue flu' threat as public sector workers prepare for walkout  16.11.09
Sunday Business Post
The Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents rank-and-file members of the force, will present this menu of options to individual sub-groups ...

Nostalgia for past protest campaigns vanishes as mood gets very ...  12.11.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
Representatives from the newly formed Frontline Services Alliance were the ones ... by professional bodies, including the Garda Representative Association. ...

Public sector cuts are vital - whether we like it or not... 12.11.09
Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland
Despite the rhetoric of the Garda Representative Association there is, realistically, little that the leadership of that organisation can do to affect this ...

Frontline Alliance protests over Govt cuts  12.11.09
RTE.ie
Attending were members of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, Garda Representative Association, Irish Nurses Organisation, Prison Officers ...

Fear of tax changes prompts big rise in Garda retirements  12.11.09
Irish Times
The figures came as members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) took part in a march in ...

Waterford In Protest  11.11.09
Waterford Today - Waterford,Ireland
. .. Frontline 24/7 Alliance; Ballybeg Drug Awareness team; Waterford Womens Centre; SIPTU Public Sector; Garda Representative Association; INTO Dungarvan.

Government is on a trajectory to conflict, warns union leader  11.11.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
Gardai, who are not allowed to march in uniform, will wear special bibs bearing their association logo. Gardai have put forward an alternative plan to save ...

Frontline workers to stage Dublin protest 11.11.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
Mr Kavanagh said gardaí were not in a position to march in uniform but would carry ... of the Garda Representative Association or the Association of Garda ...

Garda￭, firefighters, nurses and prison officers to march  11.11.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The staff involved will be off-duty gardaí, nurses, firefighters and prison ... they were members of the Garda Representative Association or the Association ...

Nurses vote in favour of strike action over cuts  10.11.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The GRA represents rank-and-file gardaí. “By Wednesday or Thursday of this week it will be clear if a deal can be done or not,” Mr O'Boyce said. ...

Unions divided over who will bear brunt of ﾀ1.3bn pay cut 10.11.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
The PNA, Garda Representative Association and Association of Garda Sergeants are not able to attend discussions as they are not affiliates of the Irish ...

Nurses' union votes in favour of strike  10.11.09
IrishExaminer.com - Ireland
Yesterday, Garda Representative Association president Michael O'Boyce said the Government had told his organisation it wants to save €90 million of that ...

Gardai due to find out how deep cuts will be into ﾀ100m overtime bill  09.11.09
Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland
Michael O'Boyce, the president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), today said that "it would be clear by midweek if a deal could be done". ...

Talks on proposed reform of public sector continuing  09.11.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
Garda Representative Association (GRA) president Michael O'Boyce said it was too early to say yet if a deal could be reached, but said the €100 million ...

Ryan appeals for unity to solve crisis 09.11.09
RTE.ie - Ireland
Speaking on the same programme, President of the Garda Representative Association Michael O'Boyce said a deal was possible, but believes it will be ...

United they stand: 75000workers vote with their feet  07.11.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
Insp Seamus Gallagher, of Henry Street garda station, who is chairman of the Limerick Branch of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, ...

Around The Country  07.11.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
... west of Ireland representatives of the National Union of Journalists. ... the Frontline Services Alliance, the Garda Representative Association, ...

No 'blue flu' pledge as force to play by the rules  06.11.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
Members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) are not permitted by law to take any form ...

'Send them a message 06.11.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, affiliated to the alliance, will have off-duty members on the ...

The Frontline fighters  01.11.09
Sunday Business Post - Dublin,Ireland
Typically, in his first statement on becoming GRA general secretary in May 1999, Stone foresaw that GRA members would not cooperate with the proposed Garda ...

 OCTOBER 2009

Gardai will fight threat to overtime and special pay  31.10.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
Ahead of a meeting with Department of Finance officials yesterday, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) and the Garda Representative ...

Cuts over a few years may be considered 31.10.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
... Frontline 24/7 Alliance which represent staff such as nurses and gardaí, ... such as the Garda Representative Association and the Psychiatric Nurses' ...

Alliance to support ICTU protests  31.10.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The Psychiatric Nurses' Association, Garda Representative Association and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors are not members of the ICTU, ...

State faces real risks if frontline staff's pay is cut  30.10.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The alliance is made up of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors; the Garda Representatives' Association; the Irish Nurses' Organisation; ...

Two garda￭ investigated for helping crime gangs  30.10.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
Mr Murphy and Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said they did not believe dissatisfaction in the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and the Association ...

Will the Soldiers of Destiny flee at first sight of ICTU's battle ...  29.10.09
Irish Examiner - Cork,Ireland
Impact, SIPTU, CPSU, Mandate, Unite, INO, GRA and the Frontline Alliance have all ... Teachers, nurses, gardaí and civil servants won't lose their jobs. ...

Madness of public sector sick days is infecting nation  27.10.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
And the Garda Representative Association, whose running costs and salaries are paid for by the State, is in the forefront of the opposition to cuts in ...

Unions pledge to fight public sector allowance cuts  26.10.09
IrishExaminer.com - Ireland
... while the Garda Representative Association (GRA) said it will takeaction, including protests, over any removal of allowances to its members. ...

Garda pay cut will prompt protest, say representatives 26.10.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
VICE-PRESIDENT OF the Garda Representative Association (GRA) Damien McCarthy has warned the Government any effort to reduce Garda pay or allowances would be ...

Gardai braced for budget 'hit'  25.10.09
Sunday Business Post - Dublin,Ireland
Meanwhile, the two Garda representative groups which represent a majority of the force - the Garda Representative Association (GRA), and the Association of ...

Also in National News 25.10.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
THE Garda Representative Association is not intent on running another 'Blue Flu' strike as it did 10 years ago but is encouraging off-duty members to attend ...

One-day strike just a taste of things to come, unions warn  23.10.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
The two remaining associations, the AGSI and GRA, which represent rank and file gardai and garda sergeants and inspectors, said they would conduct ...

Frontline Alliance holds strike ballot 22.10.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) cannot ballot on industrial action. ...

GRA pension levy case adjourned  16.10.09
Irish Times
The GRA, which represents 12000 gardaí below the rank of sergeant, is challenging the procedure by which the measure was introduced. It has claimed gardaí ...

New wave of 'blue flu' threatened by Gardai  15.10.09
Irish Independent
Garda Representative Association vice president, Damien McCarthy, delivered a threat of "honest action" on behalf of his colleagues. ...

GRA warns of 'honest action' over pay cuts  14.10.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
This Government has repeatedly refused to meet with the Garda Representative Association and has denied us access to any industrial relations mechanism. ...

Garda￭ warn government on pay cuts 14.10.09
Insideireland.ie - Belfast,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has warned the government over any further pay cuts in December's budget. Speaking at the final regional meeting ...

Garda￭ in 'serious financial distress'  12.10.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
Garda Representative Association (GRA) vice-president, Damien McCarthy, said 60 per cent of the members of his union had less than 10 years service with the ...

PDforra will not be 'threatened' over alliance  08.10.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The association would now engage in a campaign of its own to raise its members' concern ... frontline workers such as gardaí, nurses and prison officers. ...

Begg seeks changes to cuts timeframe  01.10.09
RTE.ie
A row has developed over the withdrawal from the alliance of the Defence Forces representative association, PDFORRA. The association's General Secretary ...

No protests, Army warned  01.10.09
Irish Independent
By Tom Brady Security Editor The representative association for enlisted members of the Defence Forces has dramatically withdrawn from the 24/7 Frontline ...

 SEPTEMBER 2009

1500 attend frontline meeting  29.09.09
RTE.ie
Michael O'Boyce of the Garda Representative Association said the meeting sends a strong message to the politicians who want to cut their cut pay again. ...

Workers plan sustained action against cutbacks  29.09.09
Irish Independent
... of this alliance provide vital services that the people of Ireland demand," said Michael O'Boyce, president of the Garda Representative Association. ...

Workers in public sector on 'war footing' over pay cuts  29.09.09
Irish Times
Another speaker, Joe Dirwan, general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, said there was no conflict between public and private ...

Gardai hire legal heavyweight for cuts battle  27.09.09
Irish Independent
... John Rogers SC has been retained to challenge the Government in the High Court next month on behalf of the Garda Representative Association (GRA). ...

Frontline public servants form alliance to fight cuts 24.09.09
Irish Examiner - Cork,Ireland
He was flanked by the new group's chairman Des Kavanagh of the Psychiatric Nurses' Association, and spokespeople from the Garda Representative Association, ...

Trade unions unite against cuts plan  24.09.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The general secretary of the Garda Representative Association, PJ Stone, said the end of the process should not be considered before the beginning was ...

Garda￭ armed with pepper canisters  24.09.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The introduction of the sprays comes at a time of increased attacks against gardaí. According to figures supplied by the Garda Representative Association ...

Unions warn further cuts will damage services  24.09.09
Irish Health - Ireland
The frontline workers group includes representatives of nurses, paramedics, Gardai, firefighters, prison officers and members of the defence forces

24/7 FRONTLINE SERVICES ALLIANCE
23rd September 2009 : Press Launch here >>

24/7 FRONTLINE SERVICES ALLIANCE
17 September 2009 : Regional Open Meetings here >>

GRA says united stance is necessary to fight Bord Snip cuts  23.09.09
Highland Radio - Donegal,Ireland
The Donegal based President of the Garda Representatives Association says gardai, ... The Garda Representatives Association is one of the groups involved. ...

GRA not suprised at level of Donegal gardai leaving the force  11.09.09
Highland Radio - Donegal,Ireland
The Donegal Head of the Garda Representative Association says he was mildly surprised but not shocked about the amount of gardai in Donegal deciding to ...

Unions combine to oppose Govt cuts  09.09.09
RTE.ie - Ireland
... including nurses, gardaí, prison officers and the defence forces. ... the Garda Representative Association and SIPTU's Nursing Section - plan to hold ...

 AUGUST 2009

Thug throws petrol bomb into garda's lap  29.08.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
However, gardai would not comment on the matter. Garda Representative Association vice president Damien McCarthy yesterday called for an immediate end to ...

Resources plea after garda attack  29.08.09
IrishExaminer.com - Ireland
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has made an appeal for an immediate recruitment drive following what it said was a marked increase in assaults on ...

Firebomb thrown at speed check garda 29.08.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
BOTH THE Garda authorities and the Garda Representative Association (GRA) yesterday condemned a petrol bomb attack on an officer operating a speed detection ...

GRA condemns petrol bomb attack on garda  28.08.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association has condemned an attempted arson attack on a garda van conducting speed checks near Blarney in Co Cork last night. ...

Public safety fears as Garda￭ take up retirement option  21.08.09
The Corkman - Cork,Ireland
By MARIA HERLIHY BILL BROWNE GARDAI throughout North Cork who are not even at ... based John Parker of the Garda Representative Association for North Cork. ...

Response times could increase due to falling Garda numbers-GRA  11.08.09
Highland Radio - Donegal,Ireland
The Garda Representatives Association says says response times to call outs in Donegal may increase if a recruitment freeze on Gardai is not lifted. ...

Ferris condemned for meeting McCabe killers  07.08.09
Limerick Leader - Limerick,Ireland
Garda Paul Browne, Limerick spokesman for the Garda Representative Association, said, "As far as we are concerned, whatever Martin Ferris decides to do is a ...

 JULY 2009

Garda body criticises 'knee-jerk' legislation aimed at criminal gangs  28.07.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said that if the Government was really serious about tackling organised crime it would properly resource the ...

Community 'will suffer' if garda stations are closed 23.07.09
The Corkman - Cork,Ireland
Garda O'Sullivan said the McCarthy report was "high-handed" as the GRA were not at all consulted in its drafting. "Rural policing has always been a two way ...

Blueprint for rescue lies in McCarthy's Domesday Book  23.07.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
We didn't know -- and by God, the GRA were never going to tell us -- that there are 57 different pay allowances to gardai. Or that these allowances are then ...

Kerry's 20 one-man garda stations would be hit  22.07.09
The Kerryman - Kerry,Ireland
When the issue raised its head earlier this year in light of a proposed national review of the force, the Kerry Garda Representative Association said that ...

McCarthy shows up so many divisions among us  21.07.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
For example, on top of a basic salary and high overtime bill, gardaí are entitled ... Irish Farmers Association president Pádraig Walshe told protesters in ...

Gardai get new base in an old drinks club 21.07.09
Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland
Rank-and-file gardai are understood to be concerned about the move. A spokesman for the Garda Representative Association said: "We are looking for a ...

Gardai let retired members live on in stations  20.07.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
It is understood that, in some cases, retired gardai have offered to make a payment but were turned down by the force. Garda Representative Association

Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes 16 July 2009 The Report of the Special Group chaired by UCD Economist Mr. Colm McCarthy Volume 1 & 2 can be viewed, on the Department of Finance web site   here >>

 MAY 2009

GRA Travel Insurance Scheme
In conjunction with Blue Insurances Ltd. GRA members can obtain family multi-trip Travel Insurance at the low cost of €65 per annum. To join up online simply click here >> / or phone dedicated Garda line at 0818-286451 (You do not have to be a member of the Holiday club to avail of this insurance).

Garda￭ criticise system for dealing with at-risk children  16.05.09
IrishExaminer.com - Ireland
... of dealing with children taken into care is so ad hoc that gardaí have considered bringing children to their own homes, Garda representatives claim. ...

Garda early retirements set to soar  05.05.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents almost 12000 members, and the Association of Garda Superintendents have expressed concern over ...

Levy Calculator 1st May 2009
View the effects of Emergency Budget 2009 on Garda Pay Scales  here >

 APRIL 2009

Garda centre axed over cutbacks  30.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
He told the GRA's conference 19 gardaí have been recently transferred from the college and that up to 50 others were expected to be deployed to garda ...

Garda￭ seek abolition of OPW  30.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
Garda Representative Association (GRA) president Michael O'Boyce said the ineffectiveness of the OPW had left thousands of gardaí in “diabolical working ...

GRA concerns over Templemore  30.04.09
RTE.ie - Ireland
The Garda Representative Association says training and services at the Garda College in Templemore are being reduced as the 100 recruits entering next month ...

Now Ahern is snubbing prison staff  30.04.09
Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland
... their annual conference in Castlebar, two days after he abandoned the traditional attendance at the conference of the Garda Representative Association. ...

Interpreter system poor - GRA  29.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has said a Chinese interpreter hired recently to help interview a suspect was himself found to be an illegal ...

Garda chief insists force will defeat drug gangs 29.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
He was speaking at the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) in Killarney, Co Kerry. Association president Michael O'Boyce, ...

Ministers summoned for D￡il vote  29.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern was also forced to pull out of an address to the Garda Representative Association conference in Killarney. ...

Call for law against attacking gardai  29.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
GRA vice-president Damien McCarthy (left), its president Michael O'Boyce and general secretary PJ Stone at the Garda Representative Association's conference ...

We will defeat murderous thugs, garda chief pledges  29.04.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
He told the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association in Killarney that it was a reality of life that complaints would be made against them ...

Call for 24-hour Garda presence  29.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
... reduced," the association said in a statement. The DHCDA called for the continuation of 24-hour police presence on the estate and for a Garda station to ...

Social welfare bill passed by D￡il  29.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
... attend the vote while Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern had to pull out of an address to the Garda Representative Association conference in Killarney. ...

Garda￭ opposed to self-regulation  29.04.09
RTE.ie - Ireland
The President of the Association of Garda Superintendents has said garda superintendents investigated almost 50% of complaints submitted to the Ombudsman ...

Murphy insists Garda winning battle 28.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
Mr Murphy told the Garda Representative Association (GRA) annual conference in Killarney he was greatly concerned over the alleged intimidation of recent ...

1000 euro to change lightbulbs  28.04.09
The Press Association
A contractor was paid more than 1000 euro to replace three lightbulbs at a Garda station, it has been claimed. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) ...

GRA accuses OPW of wasteful spending  28.04.09
Wexford People - Wexford,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association has accused the Office of Public Works of ... Speaking to delegates at the GRA annual conference in Killarney, ...

Contractor paid ﾀ1000 to change three garda station lightbulbs  28.04.09
IrishExaminer.com - Ireland
A contractor was paid more than €1000 to replace three lightbulbs at a garda station, it was claimed today. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) ...

Senior gardai 'self-interested'  28.04.09
Midulster Today - Cookstown,UK
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said a corporate culture being foisted upon the force was threatening core policing. In a strongly-worded attack, ...

Levies and cutbacks to dominate GRA conference  27.04.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
Many members of the Garda Representative Association are angry about the effect the pension levy and other tax hikes will have on their take-home pay. ...

GRA to call for rural reinforcements 27.04.09
RTE.ie - Ireland
The demands will be issued at the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association, which is opening in Killarney in Co Kerry today.

Survival of the Irish State is the only show in town  23.04.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
And the Garda Representative Association are the witty folk who redefined the word "mutiny" and called it "blue flu". In Germany, GRA leaders would probably ...

Fears that two rural Garda stations may be closed following ... 22.04.09
Meath Chronicle - Meath,Ireland
by Meath Chronicle Reporter The possible closure of 'one-person’ Garda stations in ... rural communities, and the Garda Representative Association (GRA). ...

Closure of rural garda stations denied  22.04.09
Anglo Celt - Cavan,Ireland
Mr .Michael O’Boyce, president of the Garda Representative Association, said that every station in the country was needed and should be maintained

Officers can't go upstairs to use the toilet 20.04.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
President of the Garda Representative Association, Michael Boyce, described conditions at the small station as "dreadful". "It's a two-storey building but ...

Threat of closure hangs over 236 'one-man' garda stations 20.04.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
That's their ultimate goal," Garda Representative Association president Michael O'Boyce said. A spokesman for Justice Minister Dermot Ahern last night said ...

'Brain drain' of up to 40 garda￭  15.04.09
The Kerryman - Kerry,Ireland
One in six of the county's gardaí are expected to take early retirement in fear their ... force," Kerry GRA spokesperson David McMahon told The Kerryman. ...

Another young officer is maimed in the line of duty  14.04.09
Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland
"Garda Kavanagh went beyond the call of duty. His bravery was exceptional," he said. A Garda Representative Association spokesman said: "Assault is an ...

Praise for 'true courage' of garda  14.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association was represented by its president, Damien McCarthy, and general secretary PJ Stone. Politicians present included Fine ...

Policing a more hostile society  11.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
According to figures supplied by the Garda Representative Association, there were 356 assaults on members of the force in 2005. ...

GRA seeks tougher sentences for car theft  08.04.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association is calling on the Minister for Justice to introduce tougher sentences for people caught stealing cars.

Garda sergeants seek end to bonuses for superiors  06.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
Both Agsi and the Garda Representative Association were critical of the Government last week after reports emerged relating to the impact of the public ...

Garda Robert McCallion
 7th April 2009
The Garda Representative Association extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of our colleague Garda Robert McCallion.
It is with sadness and sorrow that members of An Garda Síochána have learned that our colleague Garda Robert McCallion lost his fight for life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, girlfriend, friends and colleagues at this awful time. It is a great tragedy that his life was cut short while he went about his duty serving the people of Letterkenny.

Assistance for GRA Members with E.B.S. Mortgages
Following detailed discussions with Management of the Educational Building Society to address pressure on GRA members who are suffering the effects of Fixed Mortgage Interest Rates; Pension / Income / Health Levies and reduced earnings, the E.B.S. have set up special Help lines for GRA members where a range of measures of assistance are available. To view details click here >>

Garda college to be mothballed  04.04.09
Times Online - UK
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said the hiring ban would start “a downward spiral” from the day recruitment ceased and the force would decline ...

Garda and Army jobs and promotion ban criticised  03.04.09
Irish Times - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents around 12000 rank and file members, said the recruitment ban will mean the number of gardaí in ...

Jobs ban to limit gardai in crime war 03.04.09
Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association said yesterday the move would have a major negative impact on frontline policing. And the Association of Garda ...

Garda and army recruitment halted  03.04.09
RTE.ie - Ireland
The Garda Representative Association says gardaí will be expected to do the work of higher officers and take responsibility above their rank which may ...

Recruitment freeze will have 'major negative impact' on policing - GRA 02.04.09
Irish Independent - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association maintain that the recruitment freeze being imposed ... The GRA say that with up to 400 Gardaí due to retire this year, ...

 MARCH 2009

The O-Zone: 31/03/2009
Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland
According to GRA president Michael Boyce, more than 6000 of the 11000 members ... Sending the gardai into Today FM's offices to look for the email contacts

Woman garda is savaged in attack  28.03.09
Herald.ie - Dublin,Ireland
The Garda Representative Association launched a campaign this month highlighting attacks on members of the force, injured in the course of duty

 FEBRUARY 2009

YouTube Video - Garda Protest March - "We Shall Not Forget"
25th February 2009
View the YouTube Video - by Wethepeopleofeire.com here >>

GRA Billboard Protest Against pay cuts
"Gardaí face injuries in the line of duty…They do not deserve pay cuts."
8th March 2009
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has taken the unprecedented step of commissioning billboard posters in Dublin city centre, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Dundalk. The 48 sheet poster sites will run from 9th March to 23rd March.....read more >>

G.R.A. NATIONAL PROTEST RALLY - WEDS. 25th FEBR. 2009
Members of the Garda Representative Association will hold a National Rally to protest against the Public Service Pension Levy, commencing at 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday 25th February 2009 at Parnell Square, D.1, and marching to Dáil Éireann. All members, their families and friends are exhorted to attend and show their opposition to this unfair levy.

Members of the GRA National Executive held a Protest outside Dáil Éireann, this morning Weds. 18th February, following which a letter from our General Secretary, P.J. Stone to the Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D. was handed in calling for Equality and Justice For All more here >>

Garda Body Calls for Mortgage Relief
Irish Times 19th February 2009
GRA General Secretary, P.J. Stone has called on Government to legislate to have Banks
1. Write down the value of Mortgages by 20%
2. Allow those on fixed mortgage interest rates to switch to variable rates without incurring a financial penalty
Read the full Irish Times report here >>

GRA Anger at Public Service Pension Levy here >>
10th February 2009

 JANUARY 2009

GRA will not accept Reduction in Garda Pay here >>
Thurs 15th January 2009 - GRA Press Statement

GRA Renounces Opportunistic Attack on Pension Entitlements here >>
15th January 2009 Gen Sec PJ Stone rejects IBEC's opportunistic attack

National Pay Agreement - Government Press Statement here >>
View the Terms of the Draft Agreement - 17/09/08

GRA gravely disappointed at Benchmarking charade here >>
PRESS STATEMENT by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) 10th January 2008

Report of the Public Service Benchmarking Body : Thursday 10th January 2008
To view the full Report of the Public Service Benchmarking Body click here >>

How can we insist that officers armed with batons tackle armed drug gangs? here >>
Neil Ward, Daily Mail 17th October 2007

Dublin Coroner in Stinging Attack on Ombudsman here >>
by Cormac O'Keeffe © Irish Examiner Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Govt Pledges War on Gangland Violence After Garda Shooting here >>
Examiner 25/09/2007

CEC Report - Annual Conference: Full Text here >>
May 2007

General Secretary’s Foreword to Conference Report here >>
May 2007

Rise in Cost of Living is Key Factor in Pay Row here >>
Marc Coleman Irish Times Thursday, April 12, 2007

One in a hundred - Embarrassment at astonishingly low pass rate for controversial Garda Reserve force here >>
Irish Daily Mail Saturday, April 7, 2007

Garda Leader Attacks Growth in 'Political Meddling'
Tom Brady © Irish Independent Thursday January 4th 2007  here >>

Lack of resources hampering Garda, says GRA leader, John Egan
Paul Cullen, Irish Times, December 19, 2006  here >>

GRA Concerned At Interference In Selection Of Deputy Commissioners
December 20th 2006  here >>

GRA Welcomes Minister's Announcements But Questions Commitment To Delivery
December 19th 2006.  here >>

Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy, speaks exclusively to Neil Ward.
Full Text Garda Review Interview here >>

GRA maintains its opposition to Garda Reserve
 © Irish Times  Tim O'Brien    15/09/2006 read here >>

GRA warns over lack of resources in Limerick
 © Irish Examiner  Jimmy Woulfe, September 2006 read here >>

Finland a model for Emergency Digital Radio
 © Irish Times September 2006 read here >>

TD to take up concerns over Sligo Garda Station
 © Sligo Weekender Gerry McLaughlin September 2006 read here >>

GRA Says Justice Minister 'Out Of Touch' On Needs Of Front Line Gardai
5th May 2006: read here >>

Dublin Gardaí Voice Their Opposition to Reserve
© The Irish Times Conor Lally 03/05/2006: read here >>

GRA will Not be Deflected by Cosmetic Announcements from McDowell - Dublin Information Meeting on Garda Reserve Red Cow Hotel, Naas Rd., 7.30 p.m., 2nd MAY 2006: read here >>

Minister's Statement Completely Untrue
General Secretary P.J. Stone - 13th April 2006: read here >>

McDonnell's Reserve is Half-Baked
Mary Raftery, Irish Times Thursday 13/04/2006  read here >>

General Secretary, P.J. Stone responds to Senator John Minihan
Irish Times, Tuesday 11th April 2006  read here >>
           
"Garda Reserve another Government fudge" PJ Stone, General Secretary,
Irish Times opinion piece 31.03.06 read here >>
                   
Garda reserve will not work, says top US police chief, John Timoney.
March 25th 2006 read here >>
                   
Independent Poll : 26th March 2006
80% of people think Gardaí should be properly resourced before Garda Reserve Service is introduced: read here >>
                   
General Secretary’s Open Letter to T.D.’s
March 2006 here >>
                 
Garda Reserve - PJ Stone, General Secretary
Irish Examiner Opinion Piece Wednesday 8th March 2005 here >>
                  
Irish Policing At A Crossroads, Minister Must Scrap Reserve plans
GRA/AGSI Press Release, Portlaoise: March 6th 2006  here >>
                   
Irish Sun Opinion Piece - 24th February 2006
By Dermot O'Donnell, President, GRA here >>
                   
Gardaí Ordered to Remove Reserve Campaign Posters
23 February 2006  here >>
                    
Opinion Piece by PJ Stone, General Secretary GRA
Sligo 20th February 2006 here >>
                 
News Of The World Opinion Piece: Sunday 19th February 2006
Dermot O'Donnell, GRA President. here >>
                 
GRA Disputes McDowell's Version
19th February 2006: here >>
                  
GRA Rebuke Higgins Remarks As 'Ill-Informed' And 'Opportunistic'.  
22 November 2005:  here >>