DOCSLIB.ORG

Garda SMI Implementation Steering Group – Final Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Garda SMI Implementation Steering Group – Final Report Garda SMI Implementation Steering Group Final Report February, 2004 1 Table of Contents Page Chairman’s Foreword 4 Introduction: Background 7 The Report 7 Change Management 8 Consultation 9 Conclusion & Recommendation 10 Part 1 Review of Garda Síochána Structures and Organisation 1.1 Structures and Service Delivery 13 1.2 Community Policing 23 1.3 Housing Section 26 1.4 Telecommunications Section 28 1.5 Traffic Accident Investigation - need for National Unit 30 1.6 Roles of Ranks 32 1.7 Criminal Justice Management 35 1.8 Garda National Drugs Unit 38 1.9 National Bureau of Criminal Investigation 40 1.10 Logistics 42 1.11 Liaison and Protection 45 1.12 Transport Maintenance and Procurement Compliance 48 2 Part 2 Reviews and projects previously reported to Government Page 2.1 Quality Service 52 2.2 Rosters 54 2.3 Financial Management and Procurement 55 2.4 Human Resource Management 57 2.5 Promotion 59 2.6 In-Service and Management Training 60 2.7 Student/Probationer Training 62 2.8 Civilianisation 64 2.9 GERM 65 2.10 PULSE 66 2.11 Legislative Change 67 2.12 Performance and Accountability Framework 68 2.13 Performance Management 70 Appendices (a) Members of Steering Group 71 (b) Members of Bottom-Up Review Group 72 (c) Glossary of Terms 73 Charts 1 Proposed HQ Structure 18 2 Proposed Regional Organisation 20 3 Foreword by Mr Kevin Bonner Chairman of the Garda SMI Implementation Steering Group 1. The Steering Group on the Review of An Garda Síochána concentrated on developing a broad strategic framework for action and on identifying issues for further development within this framework. Following on from that, the Government appointed this Implementation Steering Group in January 1998 to develop and implement the overall programme for change which had been recommended in the report of the Steering Group on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Garda Síochána. I welcome the opportunity to outline some of the achievements in respect of the projects developed as part of the Garda SMI process and to present the Steering Group’s recommendations for change and modernisation. 2. With the assistance of management consultants a programme of reviews and initiatives has been completed on behalf of Steering Group, including a review of Garda structures, operations and organisation. These reviews have identified key needs/issues to be addressed in relation to the change/modernisation required for An Garda Síochána at this time. The next step is facilitating change. In making its recommendations the Steering Group is conscious of the role traditionally played by An Garda Síochána in Irish society and of the changes which have taken place in that society, particularly the changing nature of crime. 3. The first phase towards fundamental change was the report on Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Garda Síochána. This, the second phase, reviewed structures and operation systems of An Garda Síochána and makes recommendations to facilitate implementation of specific changes. The next phase will be the detailed development and implementation of individual elements of a change management programme. 4. The Report of the Steering Group on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Garda Síochána stressed the need for an inclusive approach to the implementation of SMI initiatives, based on excellent communication, consultation and participation at all levels of the Force. We have sought to ensure the widest possible involvement of staff and representative associations. The four Garda staff associations are represented on the Implementation Steering Group and were consulted at all stages of the review process. As part of the research, considerable consultation was engaged in throughout the organisation in regard to the challenges and opportunities 4 facing the Garda Síochána. The recommendations made in the report seek to address and develop these issues. In addition, throughout the SMI review process, change management briefings/seminars were delivered to members of the Garda organisation including civilian staff, senior Garda management and all representative bodies. 5. Significant structural change and development has emerged from the SMI process across the public service. I believe that there is recognition within the Garda Síochána of the need for change and for modernisation of practices and procedures. I have no doubt that the SMI process will support the Garda Síochána in providing an efficient, effective and excellent policing service to the public at all times. 6. There are issues to be addressed in deciding future policy. Transition to the new structures will require careful strategic planning and management of change, leadership involvement, good communication and proper co-ordination of implementation. As well as looking at the business of the organisation, An Garda Síochána needs to look at the way in which it does its business so as to achieve more effective management and supervision of resources. This progress report recognises the apprehension which may face some of the stakeholders. However, this is also an opportunity to ensure that the Garda Síochána positions itself to continue its proud history of excellent service to the community. The benefits to the organisation will be optimised by introducing new management processes and developing the culture of the organisation to reflect the defined competencies of each rank. 7. The overall design phase of the Garda SMI projects is now completed. The Garda SMI programme involves a continuing process of change. As a consequence, while recognising that there are implications regarding resources which may have to be considered in the context of Government policy on staffing levels and expenditure, the development and implementation of change must be regarded as a long term process requiring continued commitment of dedicated resources in the years ahead. In other words, this report marks the beginning rather than the end of a process, a process which must continue into the future, and which must and will be led more and more by the Garda Síochána itself as an organisation. By adopting a strategic approach, best management practice, and adapting to changing circumstances, an Garda Síochána can maintain and continue its role as an organisation in which the nation can have confidence and pride. 5 8. The high level implementation plan, which will enable Garda management and the Department to plan the modernisation and enhancement of the Garda organisation, is provided in the structures and service delivery review. The detailed implementation can be decided and priorities planned and developed further as necessary. 9. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Steering Group, the Bottom up Review Group and the Garda SMI Team and all who contributed to successfully bringing forward such a wide ranging programme of recommendations for change. I would particularly like to thank Mr. Declan Brennan, Chairman of the BURG, and Assistant Commissioner Crummey for the sustained efforts they made to further our work. I would like also to acknowledge the input of Mr. Eamon Leahy, SC, who contributed to the review of legislative change and who we sadly missed after his untimely death. 10. I would recommend to Government to accept these recommendations as the basis for driving forward and implementing the process of change and modernisation which must continue over the coming years. Kevin Bonner Chairman 6 Introduction Background In November 1997 the Government accepted in principle the recommendations set out in the Report of the Steering Group on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of An Garda Sío chána. That review was conducted within the framework of the Strategic Management Initiative across the public service. The report contained many recommendations requiring a more comprehensive development of issues relating to the organisation, operations, financing and performance and accountability of An Garda Síochána. In January 1998 the Government established a Garda SMI Implementation Steering Group, chaired by Mr Kevin Bonner, to develop the report’s recommendations for implementation. To this end, a Bottom-Up Review Group (BURG), chaired by Mr Declan Brennan, was established to focus on organisation structures/systems and the deployment of operational resources and to bring recommendations to the steering group in the areas for which it was made responsible. The BURG was comprised of representatives of An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Finance with the assistance of an independent member. A full- time Implementation Team, comprising representatives from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and from An Garda Síochána management, was also appointed to assist the BURG. The Report The Government was advised in November 1997 that the overall development and implementation process could take three to five years. The first report to Government was made in June 1999 with a second in June 2000. The BURG reports are also summarised in this comprehensive report. This is the final overall report from the Steering Group to Government. 7 The Report outlines progress that has been made to date in developing the Garda SMI projects. It is presented in two parts: Part 1 gives an overview of all projects completed since the last Report to Government in June 2000. Part 2 gives an overview of projects previously reported to Government and outlines the progress made towards implementation. For clarification purposes, please note that material included under the heading ‘Summary of Key Findings’ in each section below refers to the position established by the BURG at the time of the review in each case. Change Management The original Garda SMI Report stressed the need for an inclusive approach to be taken to the implementation of the SMI initiatives based on communication, consultation and participation at all levels of the Force. The Steering Group has sought to ensure the widest possible involvement of staff and representative associations. The four Garda staff associations were represented on the Implementation Steering Group and were consulted regularly by the Bottom-Up Review Group.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • An Garda Síochána
    An Garda Síochána Oifig an Choimisinéara Office of the Commissioner Gnóthaí Corparáideacha Corporate Affairs An Garda Síochána Garda Headquarters Páirc an Fhionnuisce Phoenix Park Baile Átha Cliath 8 Dublin 8 D08 HN3X D08 HN3X Láithreán Gréasáin / Website: www.garda.ie Luaigh an uimhir tharaghta seo a Ríomhpost / E-mail: leanas le do thoil: [email protected] Please quote the following ref. number: CMR_34-367274/15 Ms. Helen Hall Chief Executive Policing Authority Dear Helen Re: Commissioner’s Monthly Report to the Policing Authority __________________________________________________________________________________ I am pleased to provide the seventh monthly report for 2019 outlining the key aspects of the administration and operation of An Garda Síochána, in accordance with Section 41A of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended. Additional and updated data continues to be included in response to requests of the Policing Authority during discussions at monthly meetings. As advised previously, reporting will continue through the Policing Strategy and Performance and the Organisation Development Committees to ensure the Authority is informed on all relevant projects in accordance with its oversight role. Project information not outlined in our core reporting will be provided as required. Yours sincerely J A HARRIS COMMISSIONER July 2019 An Garda Síochána: Ag Coinneáil Daoine Sábháilte – Keeping People Safe 1 Message from the Commissioner During the last month, An Garda Síochána demonstrated in a number of ways its commitment to becoming a more diverse organisation so it can fully reflect and represent the community it serves. The most visible of these was the participation by Garda members and staff, along with colleagues in the PSNI, in the annual Pride Parade.
    [Show full text]
  • 8018 Garda Annual Report 2017 07 06/18
    AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 ANNUAL REPORT garda.ie garda.ie 2017 OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 1,209 15% 26 9,522 GARDA STAFF ON THE ROAD INVESTIGATION INVESTIGATION new personnel joined decrease in road assassination missing person deaths attempts stopped cases investigated Credits: Designed by: Creativerin Design Photography by: An Garda Síochána Archive Printed by: i 2017 OVERVIEW AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA AT A GLANCE 2017 was a challenging year for Contents An Garda Síochána, but also a positive one. An Garda Síochána Highlights of the year i can look back with pride on its own An Garda Síochána at a glance 1 role not only in ensuring public Commissioner’s foreword 2 safety throughout the country during Overview of the Policing Plan 4 the last year, but also the vital role National Policing 6 the organisation has played through National Security & Intelligence 26 its history and continues to play Community Safety 36 every day in protecting and Cross-Organisation Services 56 supporting our communities. Statistics 92 While the last decade has been very difficult for An Garda Síochána, this year saw significant investment by Government in the service and many changes for the better. We are doing things differently. This Annual Report is testament to this. Produced with input from the Policing Authority, it clearly sets out where we met targets, partially achieved them or did not achieve them. In cases where we did not fully achieve our aims, they will be addressed as quickly as possible in 2018.
    [Show full text]
  • An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2019
    AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA garda.ie ANNUAL REPORT 2019 AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT garda.ie 2019 OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 1,348 344 1m €21m new personnel Gardai returned to followers reached drugs seized the frontline across Garda social media Credits: Designed by: Creativerin Design Photography by: An Garda Síochána Archive Printed by: i 2019 OVERVIEW AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA AT A GLANCE 2019 was a year of progress for Contents An Garda Síochána. The organisation can look back with pride on its own Highlights of the year i role in not only ensuring public An Garda Síochána at a glance 1 safety throughout the country during Commissioner’s Foreword 2 the last year, but also the vital role it Overview of the Policing Plan 4 has played through its history and National Policing 6 continues to play every day in National Security & Intelligence 16 keeping people safe. Community Safety 22 Cross-Organisation Services 32 While the last decade has been very difficult for An Garda Síochána, this year saw further investment by Government Statistics 52 in the service and many changes for the better under A Policing Service for the Future. We continue to do things differently. This Annual Report is testament to this. Produced with input from the Policing Authority, it clearly sets out where we met targets, partially achieved them or did not achieve them. In cases where we did not fully achieve our aims, we will address them under our 2020 Policing Plan. HIGHEST 37% 418 92% RECORDED TRUST LEVEL IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2018 an Garda Síochána Annual Report 2018
    AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT garda.ie garda.ie 2018 OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 1,183 12,717 258 6,500 new personnel Garda personnel returned to the responded to joined trained in Code of frontline from Cultural Audit Ethics by year end administration duties Credits: Designed by: Creativerin Design Photography by: An Garda Síochána Archive Printed by: i 2018 OVERVIEW AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA AT A GLANCE 2018 was another challenging year Contents for An Garda Síochána, but also a positive one. An Garda Síochána Highlights of the year i can look back with pride on its own An Garda Síochána at a glance 1 role not only in ensuring public Commissioner’s foreword 2 safety throughout the country during Overview of the Policing Plan 4 the last year, but also the vital role National Policing 6 the organisation has played through National Security & Intelligence 14 its history and continues to play Community Safety 18 every day in keeping people safe. Cross-Organisation Services 26 While the last decade has been very difficult for An Garda Statistics 42 Síochána, this year saw further investment by Government in the service and many changes for the better. We continue to do things differently. This Annual Report is testament to this. Produced with input from the Policing Authority, it clearly sets out where we met targets, partially achieved them or did not achieve them. In cases where we did not fully achieve our aims, we will address them under our 2019 Policing Plan.
    [Show full text]
  • An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2019
    AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA garda.ie ANNUAL REPORT 2019 AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT garda.ie 2019 OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 1,348 344 1m €21m new personnel Gardaí returned to followers reached drugs seized the frontline across Garda social media Credits: Designed by: Creativerin Design Photography by: An Garda Síochána Archive Printed by: i 2019 OVERVIEW AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA AT A GLANCE 2019 was a year of progress for Contents An Garda Síochána. The organisation can look back with pride on its own Highlights of the year i role in not only ensuring public An Garda Síochána at a glance 1 safety throughout the country during Commissioner’s Foreword 2 the last year, but also the vital role it Overview of the Policing Plan 4 has played through its history and National Policing 6 continues to play every day in National Security & Intelligence 16 keeping people safe. Community Safety 22 Cross-Organisation Services 32 While the last decade has been very difficult for An Garda Síochána, this year saw further investment by Government Statistics 52 in the service and many changes for the better under A Policing Service for the Future. We continue to do things differently. This Annual Report is testament to this. Produced with input from the Policing Authority, it clearly sets out where we met targets, partially achieved them or did not achieve them. In cases where we did not fully achieve our aims, we will address them under our 2020 Policing Plan. HIGHEST 37% 418 92% RECORDED TRUST LEVEL IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
    [Show full text]
  • 8112 Garda Annual Report 2018 14 08/19
    AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT garda.ie garda.ie 2018 OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 1,183 12,717 258 6,500 new personnel Garda personnel returned to the responded to joined trained in Code of frontline from Cultural Audit Ethics by year end administration duties Credits: Designed by: Creativerin Design Photography by: An Garda Síochána Archive Printed by: i 2018 OVERVIEW AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA AT A GLANCE 2018 was another challenging year Contents for An Garda Síochána, but also a positive one. An Garda Síochána Highlights of the year i can look back with pride on its own An Garda Síochána at a glance 1 role not only in ensuring public Commissioner’s foreword 2 safety throughout the country during Overview of the Policing Plan 4 the last year, but also the vital role National Policing 6 the organisation has played through National Security & Intelligence 14 its history and continues to play Community Safety 18 every day in keeping people safe. Cross-Organisation Services 26 While the last decade has been very difficult for An Garda Statistics 42 Síochána, this year saw further investment by Government in the service and many changes for the better. We continue to do things differently. This Annual Report is testament to this. Produced with input from the Policing Authority, it clearly sets out where we met targets, partially achieved them or did not achieve them. In cases where we did not fully achieve our aims, we will address them under our 2019 Policing Plan.
    [Show full text]
  • An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2016 Garda.Ie
    An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2016 garda.ie 1 An Garda Síochána Annual Report 2016 Foreword by Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan 2016 was a challenging year for An Garda Síochána, but also a positive one. As the country celebrated the centenary of the 1916 Rising, An Garda Síochána can look back with pride on its own role not only in ensuring public safety at the events throughout the country during the last year, but also the vital role the organisation has played through its history and continues to play every day in protecting and supporting our communities. What pleased me most about the celebrations was not only 30%. Overall, the level of victimisation across all crime fell the great professionalism on display and the obvious pride from 11% to 8% in 2016, according to our Public Attitude in wearing the uniform, but the reaction from the public. Survey. The desire from families, children and individuals to get their photograph with Gardaí or shake their hand or give There were also significant quantities of drugs and guns them a simple word of thanks speaks volumes about our seized that would have been used to harm individuals and close relationship with communities. It is also testimony to communities. Many lives were saved through the high the regard local Gardaí are held in their communities. visibility policing introduced in Dublin city and throughout the country to deter heightened organised criminal activity. While the last decade has been very difficult for An Garda Síochána, this year saw significant investment by National security continued to be protected through Government in the service and many changes for the enhanced use of intelligence and collaboration with better.
    [Show full text]
  • National Drugs Strategy and New Programme for Government
    The newsletter of IRELAND Ireland’s focal point to the EMCDDA Issue 75 | Autumn 2020 In this issue National Drugs Hepatitis C in prisons Strategy and new See page 18 Programme for 09 Covid-19 and OST Government 14 Crack cocaine study On 2 July 2020, Frank Feighan TD for Sligo-Leitrim was 05 New mental health strategy appointed Minister of State for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy. This follows on from the publication of Programme for Government: our shared future.1 The new Drugnet Ireland is produced in collaboration Programme for Government commits to taking a health- with the HRB National Drugs led approach to drugs misuse and continuing to deliver on Library. To have Drugnet the existing national drugs strategy (NDS), Reducing Harm, Ireland delivered to your Supporting Recovery (2017–2025).2 desktop, sign up at www.drugsandalcohol.ie The new Government divides its commitments into a set of four and a further set of 24 actions, all of which are in line with the NDS.2 The reason for having two separate sets is unclear; hence, they are dealt with together for the purpose of this article. Where relevant, the article puts them in the context of the existing strategic action plan for 2017–2020 embedded in the NDS. EMCDDA published the European drug report 2020: trends and developments on 22 September 2020. www.emcdda.europa.eu/edr2020 Research. Evidence. Action. Contents In brief Effective monitoring and reliable data are essential for economic and health planning and for supporting an informed and politically active citizenry.
    [Show full text]
  • Any Pension Presents Under the Tree This Year? Ho! Ho! Ho!
    SÍOCHÁIN ANY PENSION PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE THIS YEAR? HO! HO! HO! DATES FOR YOUR DIARY AGM 2018 SCHEDULE GSRMA SOCIAL OUTINGS HOME AND AWAY SHORT STORY COMPETITION WINNERS FOR 2017 Winter 2017 WINTERISSN 1649-5896 2015 ISSN 1649-5896 www.gardaretired.com EDITORIAL COMMENT WILL JUSTICE FINALLY BE SERVED? Pension restoration has taken a back seat while the ‘circus’ in Merrion Street plays out. All of this confusion does not do our cause for pension adjustment any good, writes GSRMA General Secretary Paschal Feeney. Here he says that greater levels of transparency, accountability, professionalism, fairness and justice are now needed. s retired members pedal. So, let no one tell you Aof An Garda otherwise – it was personal Síochána, we know all and very personal; they simply too well that everything wanted her head, and they were that goes on in Garda never going to rest until they Headquarters is known achieved their objective. immediately, and more While all of this is going often in advance at on, the work within An Garda Department of Justice Síochána has not stopped, on the Green. In fact, not even been put on hold any Minister for Justice or paused. In fact, absolutely of the day, who did not fantastic results are being know what was going achieved in relation to gangland on, was not worth their criminality, and other crimes. ‘weight in salt’. However, very little At the same time the acknowledgement is being given Minister for Justice of to the members of the Force for the day must keep the all of this in the face of political Taoiseach of the day fully briefed, as to happenings, and adversity.
    [Show full text]
  • PDF (An Garda Annual Report 2012)
    Foreword Contents Fighting Crime 2 Community 17 Managing Our Resources 22 Traffic 34 Regional Reports 39 Strategic Goals 53 Statistics 64 I am pleased to present the Annual Report An Garda Síochána continues to develop and for 2012 detailing all the work carried out by implement operations and strategies aimed An Garda Síochána nationwide. The report at targeting, dismantling and disrupting outlines achievements in relation to our core criminal networks, utilising advanced commitments – the prevention and detection analytical and intelligence methodologies. of crime, the protection of national security, and in particular, our daily work in During 2012 we continued to strengthen our communities around Ireland. links and working relationships with the community, national bodies, and The mission statement of An Garda Siochána international counterparts. It is through such is “working with communities to protect and links that we can continue to police serve”. As an organisation, we are uniquely effectively and achieve positive successful placed in relation to daily interaction with, outcomes such as reducing road deaths. It and integration into the fabric of should be noted that one death on the roads communities. An Garda Síochána is required is a death too many, however 2012 saw the to examine its capacity and effectiveness fifth straight year of reduced fatalities to an within the economic realities which are all time low of 162 deaths. An Garda impacting on the nation. I am acutely aware Síochána will continue to carry out of the sense of disappointment that exists in information and enforcement campaigns in communities that may have seen a local an effort to continue this downward trend.
    [Show full text]
  • Garda Commissioner's Monthly Report to The
    An Garda Siochana Oifig an Cholrnismeara Office of the Commissioner Gn6thaf Corparaideacha Corporate Affairs An Garda Slochana Garda Headquarters Pairc an Fhionnuisce Phoenix Park Baile Atha Cliath 8 Dublin 8 008 HN3X 008 HN3X Tiooscadai fir •••• l.aithrean Greasain/ Website: I2040d www.garda.ie Luaigh an uimhir tharaghta seo a leanas Ie do thoil: RfomhpostlE-mail: Please quote the following ref. comm [email protected] number: CMR_34-367274/15 Ms. Helen Hall Chief Executive Policing Authority Dear Helen Re: Commissioner's Monthly Report to the Policing Authority I am pleased to provide the tenth monthly report submitted during 2020 outlining the key aspects of the administration and operation of An Garda Sfochana for the month of September 2020, in accordance with Section 41A of the Garda Siochana Act 2005, as amended. An update regarding the National Policing Plan for COVID-19 is outlined at Section 1. We will keep you advised through our various reports in respect of this area. Yours sincerely SUPERINTENUENT O~~E OF THE COMMISSI ER ?;Zt October 2020 An Garda Siochana: Ag Colnneail Daoine Sabhailte - Keeping People Safe 1 Message from the Commissioner As I write, the country has just entered Level 5 under the Government's Framework for Living with COVID-19. In response, An Garda Siochana has put in place a high visibility operation to provide public reassurance, ensure compliance with public health guidelines and regulations and give support to the vulnerable. As part of our response, An Garda Sfochana has introduced a range of measures including a large number of static and rolling checkpoints, high visibility community engagement patrols and maximisation of operational ability.
    [Show full text]
  • Tom Peters Is Laid to Rest Funeral for Gold Scott Medal Holder
    SÍOCHÁIN The Official Magazine of the Garda Síochána Retired Members’ Association TOM PETERS IS LAID TO REST FUNERAL FOR GOLD SCOTT MEDAL HOLDER WINTER 2015 ISSNWinter 1649-5896 2018 ISSN 1649-5896 www.gardaretired.com SCAN QR CODE FOR www.gardaretired.com MEMBERS’ AREA EDITORIAL COMMENT EAR-MARKING 2020 TO ADDRESS PENSION NEST EGG At this time of year, for the past decade, the Garda Síochána Retired Members’ Association, like all fellow colleagues in public service retirement, reflect on when, if ever, we can expect an increase in our hard-earned pensions, writes Paschal Feeney, GSRMA General Secretary. s your General Secretary €140 and the least you can AI have been telling you receive is €1, but only if you at various AGMs over the continue to pay that dreaded years that 2020 is the year PSPR levy. ear-marked by Government However, if you retired to address this issue, and after 29 February 2012 and hopefully we can expect to prior to 31 October 2017, receive a sizeable increase then you do not come within then, given the huge sacrifices this catchment area. In fact, we have made in the public up to this you have received interests since our economy no redress whatsoever. This collapsed. is where the Pay & Pensions Likewise we have never Act 2017 comes into play for deflected in our vision that those members. the parity rule shall remain These members receive a in place, despite enabling 1% increase in pension due legislation in 2012, (Public since 1 January 2018, with Service Pensions (Single a further 1% increase due Scheme and Other Provisions ( since 1 October 2018.
    [Show full text]