ANGRY rank and file Gardai in Co Donegal fear dozens of them may lose their jobs as part of a nationwide cutback in their numbers.
Up to 1,500 Gardai could go – because the national budget isn’t big enough to cover wages.
Despite claims from Justice Minister Alan Shatter that there won’t be any cuts, officers on the ground insist his sums don’t add up.
There are also fears that any Gardai with more than 30 years experience will be forced to retire, depriving the force of vital experience and leadership.
“There is more efficiencies being put in place with regard to the dealing with court work.”
His comments have been widely condemned by associations representing rank and file officers as well as the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.
“We are being slowly shafted,” said one Garda last night, “if the public believe we are struggling now, wait to you see what you are left with this time next year.
“We will lose gardai through retirement; that happens. But they aren’t being replaced and so many are disillusioned with how we are being treated.
“This is a county which has lost two members in recent years, killed in the line of duty and this is how Alan Shatter repays us. It’s a disgrace.”
