I am delighted to bring you my first edition of News From The Top Table as President of this Association. Since our Annual Delegate Conference last month, the National Executive held a Special Executive meeting (April 21st) to pursue our Pay Restoration Campaign which we announced in Westport.
That meeting was very positive and as per our previous email updates, we are intending to hold a march at Dáil Éireann on Tuesday 17th May. We are asking all members who are on annual leave, TOIL and/or rest days to join us with members of their families. We have also invited our colleagues in other Garda Associations including the retired members as this campaign will benefit all Gardaí.
Agreed by the National Executive:
(1) The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors will march on the first day of the new Dáil which is next Tuesday 17th May.
(2) We will not march in uniform on this occasion but we are asking all members to wear an item of blue clothing; for instance a blue top or jacket
(3) We will assemble on Castle Street, (Beside Dublin Castle) at 11 am. We will March on the Dáil to arrive around 12 midday. We will remain in the precinct of the Dáil until 2 pm.
I would like to take a minute to let all members know that I intend to pursue the pay issue during my three-year tenure, not just pay restoration which is an immediate concern, but also the ability for AGSI to directly negotiate our own pay and conditions.
We have a pro-active plan to keep our media profile high as we seek to win public support and increase pressure on politicians to take our issues seriously.
My recent appearance on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show was very short but it is the most watched show in the country so it was an opportunity not to miss. I will be interviewed on the Sean O’Rourke Show on RTE Radio 1 on Monday 16th May at 10am. So please tune in.
I also did a podcast interview with crime journalist Paul Williams of the Irish Independent. Listen back to it here.
Download a two-page feature interview that featured in The Herald newspaper. The Herald 10May2016
Read TheJournal.ie article also which mentions Tuesday’s march.
I would ask you to contact me via Head Office if you have any concerns or issues you want us to pursue on your behalf. The team led by General Secretary, John Jacob, work tirelessly day-in day-out.
I look forward to working with you all and representing your views.
