Gardaí have 'no money' after bills are paid

Some 120 members of An Garda Síochana had no money left over in their pay packets in January, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has claimed.

Sergeant Brian O’Dea, a member of the AGSI national executive, said members were left with a “negative cheque” as a result of the universal social charge and other payments which followed December’s budgets.

The gardaí found themselves without money after deductions were taken for mortgage payments and other bills.

He said the same members were in positive territory in 2010, but had to get a loan to survive after their January pay-cuts.

The issue of pay is likely to dominate the first full day of the conference tomorrow.

The morning session will be completely devoted to motions which will seek to defend the pay and conditions of AGSI members.

However, a motion from the Tipperary branch which would allow gardaí to do “nixers” may not even make it to the floor.

The motion calls on the Garda Commissioner and the Government to remove the long-standing Garda Code 10.24 which prohibits members of the force from taking part in licenced activities like providing security and being a taxi driver.

Sergeant Willie Gleeson, another member of the executive, said it was understandable that the Tipperary branch brought such a motion given the pressure on member’s pay packets.

However, he said the executive, having considered the motion, will not be supporting it.

“We feel, unfortunately, that there has to be some level of prohibition when it comes to spare time activities.” He said gardaí enjoyed a high level of public support which might diminish if they were involved in such activities.