An Garda Síochána has ruled out any new financial reward or bonus scheme for gardaí, despite a survey by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors revealing low morale across the force.
Earlier today, the AGSI issued a statement saying that at a meeting today, Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan had confirmed that a "reward and recognition" system is to be introduced into An Garda Síochána.
A garda spokesman said the force already has a number of non-monetary recognition schemes, including bravery awards, chief recognitions and national and divisional merit awards - which it intends to develop under a transformation programme to support gardaí.
However, he categorically ruled out the introduction of any financial element, adding that as there was no financial element there was no requirement for sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
A Statement from Department of Justice said: "The Lansdowne Road Agreement represents Government policy in relation to industrial relations until 2018. Accordingly the "reward and recognition" system referred to is non-monetary in nature".
An AGSI delegation met the Garda Commissioner this morning, as it published a survey revealing that almost 90% of senior gardaí feel morale is low in the force.
The agenda for today's meeting included roles and responsibilities, morale and the Lansdowne Road Agreement, which AGSI members have rejected.
The AGSI advised the commissioner that like rank-and-file gardai, from 1 January its members will not be working the extra 30 hours required under the Haddington Road Agreement.
In a statement, the AGSI said it had raised the issue of work overload and how roles and responsibilities were being increased, but not defined.
In relation to increased roles and responsibilities, the commissioner advised that this area was being looked at by Executive Director of HR, John Barrett.
The AGSI said the commissioner had described the morale survey as a sad reflection of how members feel, adding that that gulf needed to be closed.
An AGSI statement said: "Commissioner O'Sullivan also confirmed that a wellness strategy along with a reward and recognition system will be introduced into the organisation."
AGSI Vice-President Antoinette Cunningham said they were delighted to hear that the commissioner was considering a reward and recognition scheme, but warned that it would have to be substantial rather than "token" in order to lift morale from the low level that currently exists.
Separately, the Department of Justice and Equality has revealed that it is currently assessing 286 outstanding compensation claims for injuries suffered by gardaí in the line of duty.
That figure has fallen from 317 in October and relates to applications for which the necessary information has been received from the Garda Authorities to allow a decision to approve or refuse the claim to be made.
