Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Minister of State has given a response on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality. I believe it is totally unsatisfactory and it is in error, because an offer was made in writing. This debacle arose following the Government's policy initiative to reform and rationalise local authorities. Urban district councils were deliberately abolished and, in the case of Tipperary, the north and south county councils were amalgamated for administrative purposes. The local body set up to oversee and implement the Government policy initiative had consultations with staff in the affected councils and it was agreed that eight staff would be transferred to the Garda vetting unit. This was approved by the county manager and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, and it was also understood that the proposal had the approval of the Department of Justice and Equality, as the need for more staff existed at the time in the unit.

The subsequent change of mind by the Department of Justice and Equality showed stunning disrespect for the loyal and dedicated staff of the local authorities who were engaged in this process. The Government and, in particular, the Department have shown appalling indifference to the plight of these staff, who have been badly let down and are feeling aggrieved. The eight officials have been misled and they received dreadful treatment due to the bungling that took place between the Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government and Justice and Equality. The matter needs to be addressed at ministerial level and the situation needs to be rectified to the satisfaction of the affected staff.

This sorry saga has left a sour taste in the mouths of all local authority staff in Tipperary. What they consider as a reneging on previous written commitments has led to a distrust of the entire process and frustration and anger towards the system and, in particular, the Department of Justice and Equality.

See this speech in context