Mr. P. J. Fitzpatrick:

The reason I mentioned the Garda sector generally was that it was an example where both sides had managed to deal with all of their issues without going to a third party, which was something we were encouraging. The rosters should have changed, but they did not. The reality is that it was a big issue because changing rosters was different from any other change that could be implemented, particularly in any area in which 24-7 cover was required. People's lives are often built around rosters, including their partner's working arrangements and child care arrangements. One, therefore, is not just changing something in their workplace; one is changing their entire domestic life also. That was the big challenge with the Garda rosters. That is why roster changes tend to be more problematic than most other changes because they are intrinsically linked with people's home lives. One tends to find this in the health service and any sector in which people work around the clock. It was a big change in the Garda.

The other thing is that a number of members have commented, as the Deputy has, on the increased visibility of gardaí when they are needed. This has come back to us from several quarters.