Gardaí Face Burnout, Canceled Rest Days Amid EU Presidency Security Demands

Gardaí face burnout and dozens of canceled rest days due to the use of «extraordinary event status» for upcoming EU Presidency security operations, according to James Morrisroe, deputy general secretary of the Garda Representative Association (GRA).

Ireland's EU Presidency involves over 40 classified events requiring major security, with six needing the highest military and police coverage. This status allows An Garda Síochána to cancel rostered days off, impacting gardaí who typically work four 12-hour shifts followed by four days off.

The Justice Minister allocated an additional €125m for six months of Presidency overtime, supplementing the usual €100m annual overtime budget. However, Morrisroe stated this only «papers over the cracks,» as the force, currently at 14,500 members, needs 17,000-18,000 for normal policing. The GRA has refused to cooperate with Presidency planning meetings due to workplace condition disputes.

Morrisroe highlighted that 11 extraordinary events occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region last year, leading to members working 13-14 consecutive days. He warned that the EU Presidency, with potentially dozens of multi-day extraordinary events across various locations, will exacerbate burnout and welfare concerns, as overtime payments do not compensate for lost rest days. Potential high-profile events like a visit from US President Donald Trump further strain resources.