Mr. John Redmond:

Our members worked very hard, with management, to arrive at an acceptable position on revised working arrangements under the structure set out in the Croke Park agreement. It is a pilot arrangement and has been in operation since the end of April. It has one year to run, during which time it will be evaluated and feedback will be taken from members of all ranks. In general, the feedback thus far has been positive, but there are some aspects which need to be addressed. I am sure more issues will emerge as time passes, but it is probably a case of tweaking rather than a requirement for any major change. All of this will become apparent as the months go on. It is very important from our members' point of view that for the first time ever, the European working time directive is in operation within the Garda organisation. The new arrangement will ensure members who have worked very hard and for extended periods will have adequate time to rest before resuming their duties. As far as we are concerned, the new arrangement is mostly positive and we are delighted to have been involved in negotiating it under the auspices of the Croke Park agreement.