Ahern 'out of touch' with Garda problems
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) today hit out at Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and claimed the Government lacked understanding of the serious problems facing the force in terms of resources.
GRA President Dermot O’Donnell said Mr Ahern’s comments about the garda radio system proved senior Government members were out of touch with the reality faced by officers.
The row broke out after Mr O’Donnell claimed many garda stations throughout the country do not meet with basic health and safety requirements, the Garda College in Templemore is overcrowded and the radio system used by gardai is on the verge of collapse.
However, Mr O’Donnell claimed Mr Ahern dismissed the concerns in an ill-prepared fashion.
The GRA president said he couldn’t believe that the Taoiseach had so little understanding of the resourcing crisis in an Garda Siochana.
“Mr Ahern clearly has a very tenuous grasp of our communications system at present,” Mr O’Donnell said.
“The fact is that we have an unsecure analogue radio system in a country where digital radio and encryption are the norm for the private sector.
“Why should the public service once again have to make do with less. We need a new radio system that befits a modern police force and we need it now.
“We are very disappointed with the Taoiseach’s comments on this important matter.”
