Senior Gardai to begin strike action as soon as Friday

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has accused a leading garda group of ignoring the views of its own members and the “very significant benefits” offered under the Lansdowne Road deal after it announced plans to begin industrial action from this Friday.

The Tánaiste made the controversial claim after the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors confirmed it is joining forces with the Garda Representative Association — and as Fianna Fáil urged Taoiseach Enda Kenny to step in to resolve the crisis.

In a controversial but well-flagged step yesterday, the AGSI said it is joining the rank-and-file GRA in unprecedented and illegal strike action next month.

Under moves confirmed by AGSI president Antoinette Cunningham, the high-profile group’s members will refuse to work on November 4, 11, 18 and 25 — the same dates as the GRA.

In addition, AGSI members will also decline to log onto the Pulse garda system or engage in any Pulse-related activities — including processing files and logging cases — this Friday and Friday, October 28.

AGSI said last night it is joining the move by the GRA — which has said they will ask the garda rapid defence unit and trainee gardaí to avoid strike action in order to ensure a skeleton force is retained — to win back 16.5% in cut pay and ensure access to the Labour Court which officers are currently prevented from accessing.

However, responding to the situation in a strongly worded statement, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the move is ignoring the wishes of AGSI members and is not in the best interests of the public.