Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have full confidence in the Garda Commissioner, as does the entire Government.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including rostering arrangements. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

The Government wishes to see a solution to this issue in order to support the health and well-being of all Gardaí and to ensure whatever roster is in place serves the public, especially the most vulnerable in society, and provides the high visibility policing we all want to see.

I want to again reiterate that a resolution to this issue can only be achieved through negotiation, and I urge the associations to work with the Commissioner to find a solution.