AGSI Express Disappointment at Lack of Priority Testing for Members
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has expressed its deep disappointment that Garda management have decided not to seek priority COVID-19 testing for its members.
The organisation represents almost 2,500 middle-ranking Gardaí and have been in discussions over the last number of weeks with Garda management on progressing this issue on behalf of its members.
Moreover, Garda management addressed the issue in its meeting with The Policing Authority on April 20th last. The Policing Authority reported back to the Minister for Justice and Equality as follows.
Their report stated:
“The Deputy Commissioners confirmed that the organisation has sufficient PPE resources and provided assurance that the matter of priority testing for Garda personnel will be resolved within the next day or two.”
At a tele-conference meeting yesterday (6 May 2020) with Garda management, AGSI were informed that management are not progressing the matter of priority testing for members of AGSI at this time.
General Secretary Antoinette Cunningham says the u-turn caught their Association by surprise and their members feel let down by Garda management.
“We had already informed our members that priority testing would be available. AGSI supports priority testing for our members to ensure capacity in the force at all times and have asked Garda management to review this decision.”
LISTEN
Antoinette Cunningham speaks to Newstalk Breakfast, click to listen.
