The Policing Bill was amended by Government (Amendment 38 Section 54) at Committee stage on 12th December, meaning that a Ministerial order to change the status of existing Garda civilian staff cannot be made until at least 24 months after commencement of the Act.

The amendment comes following hard fought engagement and lobbying by Fórsa, and demonstrates significant progress on the issue as we had been told that there would be no amendments to the Bill.

This allows members a period of time to decide on their career options, as well as allowing the Department of Justice and Garda management time to properly engage with Fórsa and allow proper engagement under the auspices of a relevant third party – our preference being the WRC.

While we still await a timetable and framework for that engagement, huge credit must go to the local representatives and members. They demonstrated a great unity of purpose and confidence in the strategy developed centrally through the lobbying of TDs and Senators and being present in the Seanad when decisions were being made as well as articulating directly to the Minister their concerns and difficulties when the opportunity arose.

As this is entering its final phase in the legislative process, it is entirely appropriate that both Orlagh Fawl and Bernie Aston from Fórsa’s Strategic Organising Unit are recognised and thanked for all their hard work and sage guidance in this complicated episode.

Meanwhile, the temporary clerical officer (TCO) to clerical officer (CO) confined competition – which Fórsa had pressed for – has concluded with eighty-three candidates passing interview. Some seventy-four TCOs have accepted an offer of permanent CO positions in An Garda Síochána.

An open nationwide CO/TCO competition was also launched in the same month and 5,000 candidates have reached the standard to be called forward for interview.

Garda HR has confirmed that both of these cohorts will have civil service terms.

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.