Fórsa members who work as civilian staff in An Gárda Síochana have been asked to volunteer, alongside their Garda colleagues, to perform Covid-19 testing in two drive-through locations. The measures are part of the national effort to increase the level of testing for the novel coronavirus.

Fórsa official Thomas Cowman said the union has sought assurances on all health and safety issues, consistent with the approach taken by the union with management in the health sector. The initiative is being led by the Chief Medical Officer of An Gárda Síochana, in conjunction with the HSE.

Thomas explained: “Garda management has requested volunteers from staff in the two drive-through areas. One located in the Garda training college in Templemore, Co. Tipperary and another in the Civilian Directorate in Navan, Co. Meath.

“The intention of An Gárda Síochana is to develop its own testing capacity to ensure priority test for all Garda staff both sworn members and civilian staff. This is purely on a voluntary basis, volunteers would be trained by National Ambulance Service and full PPE (personal protection) equipment will be provided to testers,” he said.

Thomas added that, consistent with HSE and DPER guidelines, nobody in ‘at risk’ categories would be asked to volunteer for the Garda C-19 testing initiative.

Fórsa clerical and executive grade members in An Gárda Síochana work in various roles in Garda stations, Garda headquarters and the training college in Templemore. As part of the Covid-19 response by An Gárda Síochana, management are consulting with Forsa to identified areas in order to temporarily reassign staff to support front line policing.

As part of this process Garda management has sought volunteers to perform front desk duties in order to facilitate the release of Gardaí to other duties. Volunteers will receive full training for this work but are not required to wear a uniform or undertake shift duties.