Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary, Jackie Cahill is calling for change in a new policy by the senior management of An Garda Síochána that would centralise all overtime decision making capacity in Dublin.
Deputy Cahill says a member of the force contacted him to share concerns about the new policy
Deputy Cahill says new overtime policy is yet another “calamitous decision”, following on from what he calls the “regressive amalgamation” of the Tipperary and Clare Garda districts.
Under the new policy, devised by Garda headquarters, the issuing of overtime hours is to be completely centralised in Dublin and controlled by a civilian working within the structures of An Garda Síochána.
Deputy Cahill is adamant that local Garda Inspectors and Superintendents need to have control of such decisions.
The TD says the policy could result in Garda not being available when most needed, such as road traffic accidents or at the scene of serious crimes.
