PROPOSALS to cut the amount of time gardai spend in court will reduce overtime payments but will not increase numbers on the beat, according to the Garda Federation.
In a response to, the proposed legislation, approved by the Government on Wednesday, the federation said most gardai who attended court did so in their own time.
"The only absolute effect this new measure will achieve will be a greater Exchequer saving and a further reduction in Garda supplementary income and consequent morale", a spokesman said.
The Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill proposes a system of written Garda evidence of arrest, charge and caution to reduce routine court appearances by arresting gardai. It is to be introduced in the Dail during a special one day debate on crime next Thursday.