In the the run up to Christmas…
UPDATE:
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that funding for Garda overtime was never in question, and that funding from December wages would be taken from the 2018 budget because wages are not paid until next year.
In a statement the Gardaí also said:
“An Garda Síochána must remain within the overtime budget provided to it and this budget is kept under constant review.
“An Garda Síochána’s budget for 2018 starts on Monday, December 4, 2017 and from that day overtime will then be available to regional, division and district officers for policing delivery within the overtime budget allocated to them. All officers will be reminded of the clear need for them to stay within allocated budgets.
“Policing services will continue, including tackling organised crime (Op Hybrid in the DMR), Operation ‘Thor’ the nationwide anti-burglary initiative, as well as routine road safety initiatives.”
–end of update–
Garda overtime for regular police operations in Dublin and other cities has been abolished between now until Christmas.
It’s understood that the Garda budget for 2017 has already been exhausted, and already some Gardaí are being redirected to more immediate duties.
A letter from Dublin’s most senior officer, Assistant Commissioner Pat Leahy, on Tuesday to all chief superintendents in Dublin revealed the news.
It’s now expected that a number of planned searches and operations will have to be suspended until the new year.
The decision has been branded “disgraceful” by Sinn Féin, and they’ve said the matter should be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Speaking on Tuesday night, Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson on Justice Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said;
“What has emerged this evening about a letter regarding the ban on overtime for Gardaí in the Dublin Region is nothing short of disgraceful, and is something which should be addressed immediately.
“The Christmas period is now upon us, and is an extremely busy time for Gardaí nationwide, particularly those posted in larger cities and towns.
“The fact that the Budget has been exhausted before one of the busiest periods of the year points to under-resourcing, and this simply is not sustainable nor acceptable.
“Does this now mean the Gardaí will operate on a skeletal staff for the rest of the year; resulting in larger number of crimes not being responded to?
“This must be addressed as a matter of urgency, and is worrying to say the least.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
