A NEW INDUSTRIAL relations problem has broken out in An Garda Síochána as civilian staff are rebelling against a move that could see them tied to the organisation and not permitted to transfer out of it.
Civil servants can move across State entities at present – for instance a civil servant working in the gardaí can transfer to Revenue or other agencies. The concern is that people will be stopped from transferring out of the gardaí if the law is introduced. Harris also said the bill would introduce “a wide range of oversight bodies” with clashing and conflicting remits. He claimed that the Bill would cause the commissioner to be more focused on reporting to the various bodies than leading gardaí.
The project has been stated as a way where the civilian employees feel that they are part of the policing organisation.“The issue now is they are voting with their feet. There are instances of civilian staff resitting the civil service exam and applying for jobs outside of An Garda Síochána.The garda civilian staff are also concerned about working from home entitlements.
“Any such changes can only take place on foot of further detailed engagement with the recognised trade unions concerned through the normal industrial relations structures,” the spokesperson added.