Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of the decision by the 2,000-strong membership of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, AGSI, to join with the 12,500-strong membership of the Garda Representative Association, GRA, to take strike action. This is the first time in the history of the AGSI that such a decision has been made. It clearly illustrates the anger and frustration felt by gardaí on the ground. From talking to members of the force, I have never seen morale as low as it is now.That is a sad indictment on the Government and the previous Government, which have allowed this to develop into a crisis. No garda wants to go on strike and nobody in this room or anywhere in the State wants to see a member of the Garda going on strike. I plead with the Minister to sort this mess out once and for all. I trust that if she engages fully with gardaí, they will not be found wanting in their response.