Cop overtime ban risks EU gig security

PLAN FOR ACTION GRA President Mark O'Meara

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE Crime and Defence Editor

GARDAI are refusing voluntary overtime and are threatening to disrupt security preparations for Ireland's EU presidency.

At a conference in Kilkenny this week, the Garda Representative Association voted that its 11,500 members would not agree to work overtime during St Patrick's week.

It's part of their dispute with the Government over pay and allowances which has been simmering for more than a year.