Garda representatives have agreed to meet with the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, to discuss his proposals for a Garda reserve force.
However, at a meeting in Portlaoise last night heard leaders of both the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) warn that they will "not be moved" in their opposition to the reserve. The meeting, attended by some 700 people, heard contributions from officials from both associations. In his speech, GRA president Dermot O'Donnell said both associations were "heartened and proud" to see so many members present.
"In recent days we have been approached by the Minister's office to meet for negotiations on the proposed Garda reserve.
"He will, of course, have to listen to what we have to say, and I tell you now that we will be telling him directly that this proposed Garda reserve is an unworkable plan and we will not co-operate with it."
AGSI president Joe Dirwan said last night's turnout showed once again that the vast majority of An Garda Síochána members were opposed to this "mad hatter's idea" to create an "unpaid unprofessional amateur police force in this country".
Mr McDowell's proposal would see about 3 per cent of the training provided to a full-time member being provided to this amateur force. "Now we all know that the full-time gardaí are accountable through the discipline regulation and Garda management.
"What is the case for the reserve? They will be subject to the discipline regulations and management while on duty for their four hours per week and absolutely nothing while they are off duty," Mr Dirwan said.
Similarly, full-time members of the Garda would be held responsible for mistakes made by untrained reserve police and would have to take up the work load created by the reserve.
The meeting also heard regional officers warn that members of all ranks were telling the Minister he could not put his shoulder against them any longer. Members are also being encouraged to circulate a letter to their TDs calling on them to make a public statement regarding their position on the proposed reserve.