SECURITY:SOME OFF-DUTY gardaí joined their civilian colleagues on pickets outside Garda stations in yesterday's national public service strike.
Gardaí on duty are precluded from taking industrial action but they were advised by the Garda Representative Association (GRA) that they were not obliged to issue fixed penalty notices yesterday as this was a discretionary activity.
This affected penalties for offences such as speeding, failure to wear a seat-belt or driving while holding a mobile phone, or dangerous overtaking.
GRA general secretary PJ Stone said the public appeared to be delighted with the stance “and would appear to be ready to welcome more of the same”.
The association also asked gardaí to avoid using their personal mobile phones or laptops while on duty and to refuse any voluntary overtime.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said it got an excellent response from members when it asked them to demonstrate their support for the action in a number of ways.
Association spokesman Austin Kenny said members expressed solidarity with their striking civilian colleagues on their way into work and explained that they were not legally entitled to strike.
The association also asked members not to use their personal mobile phones, laptops or memory sticks for work duties and to avoid voluntary overtime.
Prison officers mounted pickets at the State’s prisons for one hour yesterday morning and again in the afternoon.
A Prison Officers Association spokesman said prisoners were locked in their cells during the one hour pickets, and emergency cover was provided.
Some services provided by prison officers closed down for the day, including the Prison Service escort corps and the Prison Service Training College.
Members in the Irish Prison Service headquarters were also involved in the strike.
While the vast majority of Dáil ushers were on strike yesterday, additional Army personnel were employed around Leinster House to look after safety and security measures.
