The Garda Representative Association members have voted “No Confidence” in the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris by an overwhelming majority.
The vote of no confidence was passed by 98.7% in favour to 1.3% against.
Tipperary TD Deputy Lowry says the vote cannot be ignored and describes it as a “startling rejection of the proposed roster change”.
Deputy Lowry is calling on the Commissioner to rescind his directive regarding a new roster and to re-enter talks at finding an acceptable solution.
The Thurles based TD says “the current level of discontent must be managed before irreparable damage is done.”
The Commissioner has already described the vote as something he should not have been subjected to and insists that he will not resign, regardless of the result.
The Taoiseach, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and the senior management team continue to express confidence in the Commissioner’s leadership.
The proposed roster, due to come into effect in November requires Gardaí to work six days in a row instead of the current four days as was the case pre pandemic.
