Ninth Level Ireland

“In response to this week’s controversy over new Garda vetting requirements for DIT’s Access Foundation Programme (AFP), the institute yesterday decided to revoke the new policy. In a statement issued on his behalf by a DIT spokesperson, Head of Admissions Frank Costello has said: ‘there will not now be a requirement for Garda vetting at application stage’ …” (more)

[The Edition, 24 March]

“Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) has abandoned a controversial move to make Garda vetting a condition for adults applying to a ‘second-chance education’ course.The introduction of the requirement provoked criticism from those who said it would act as a deterrent to education …” (more)

[Katherine Donnelly, Independent, 24 March]

“A lecturer at GMIT – previously the subject of a student toilets ‘Peeping Tom’ investigation – could be banned from teaching under Garda vetting policy introduced at the college. At the time, the investigation did not determine that the lecturer had been responsible for drilling holes in student toilet cubicle walls, or that he had used them as peep holes. He continues to work there …” (more)

[Enda Cunningham, Connacht Tribune, 24 March]

“Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education and Skills Thomas Byrne TD says he is alarmed by the decision made by Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) to require students participating in access programmes to undergo mandatory Garda vetting. Deputy Byrne has called on management at DIT to clarify why they introduced the new procedures …” (more)

[Fianna Fáil, 23 March]

“Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) has brought in a new step for mature students and young adults applying to study through its access programme: Garda vetting. It’s a move that puts it at odds with other university access programmes in the city, and one that critics say discriminates against access students, some of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds …” (more)

[Conal Thomas, Dublin Inquirer, 15 March]

“University of Limerick students are being reminded that there is a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ towards antisocial behaviour during Charity Week, which got underway on Monday. The students’ union issued the guidelines in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, which outline the hefty fines for offenders ahead of the famous party week …” (more)

[Maria Flannery, Limerick Leader, 1 March]

“Gardai have launched a probe after drunken students smashed up a lecture theatre in Limerick’s Mary Immaculate College – with one urinating on the floor, the Limerick Leader can reveal. Revellers at the South Circular Road College, marking its annual ‘Raise and Give’ (Rag) week, entered a lecture room and damaged furniture, equipment, and the floor …” (more)

[Nick Rabbitts, Limerick Leader, 14 February]

“Gardaí in Galway have arrested two men in connection with the seizure of cannabis and ecstasy. As part of ongoing joint investigations targeting drug trafficking in the Galway area, a joint intelligence led operation was conducted by Revenue’s Customs Drugs Law Enforcement and the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau supported by officers from the Galway Regional Drugs Unit …” (more)

[Aine McMahon, Irish Times, 10 February]

“Galway Gardaí are preparing for this year’s unofficial RAG Week ‘celebrations’, which take place next week. There were 43 public order incidents attributed to the event last year, ten alone on so-called Donegal Tuesday …” (more)

[Galway Independent, 8 February]

“The University of Limerick has confirmed that it has not received any complaints in relation to a house party in neighbouring College Court that was reportedly attended by upwards of 400 people and spiralled ‘out of control’. However, Gardaí at Henry Street have confirmed that they are investigating the incident, video footage of which is circulating online …” (more)

[Fintan Walsh, Limerick Leader, 30 January]

“Residents living near UCC say they are fearful of yet another out-of-control RAG week which last year saw drunken revellers jumping on cars, setting bonfires, urinating on the front doors of houses and smashing bottles on the streets …” (more)

[Evening Echo, 16 January]

“Gardaí have launched an investigation into the alleged serious sexual assault of a young woman at UCD’s Belfield campus last Thursday. A woman made a report to officers after claiming that she had been victim of sexual assault on the grounds of the university …” (more)

[Ken Foy and Robin Schiller, Independent, 30 November]

“A group of students in NUI Galway were removed by an Garda Síochána after a demonstration calling for the repeal of the Eighth amendment earlier this week. The incident occurred on Thursday night at 7pm, when Taoiseach Enda Kenny arrived to speak at the college. One student who claims she was not involved in the protest was also removed from the building as she was wearing a Repeal jumper …” (more)

[College Tribune, 15 November]

“The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is to invite public sector unions to talks next week to consider the ramifications of the Garda pay recommendation. The Labour Court recommendation is expected to cost significantly more than the €30 million originally provided in an offer rejected by the Garda Representative Association, which represents 10,500 rank and file gardaí …” (more)

[RTÉ News, 6 November]

“Gardaí may receive a cash boost for taking on extra work, under proposals tabled at talks to avert the threat of four strikes from Friday week. Ongoing talks could provide a route to a deal that would provide officers with more pay but would not be seen as breaching the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement …” (more)

[Anne-Marie Walsh and Tom Brady, Independent, 27 October]

“Talks between the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and the Department of Justice are entering their third day. The union, representing middle-ranking officers, has scheduled a 24-hour work-to-rule for this Friday ….” (more)

[BreakingNews.ie, 26 October]

“The current Garda pay dispute is shaping up into a scenario that may well produce no winner and lots of losers. It sees the Garda Representative Association (GRA) serving notice of a ‘unilateral withdrawal of services’ on November 4, 11, 18 and 25 – and might well be described as the product of prudence, impatience, trickery, and ‘too little, too late’ …” (more)

[Gerry McMahon, Independent, 19 October]

“The Government is facing a serious challenge to its public service pay policy with rank-and-file gardaí and second-level teachers now scheduled to stage several days of strikes in November …” (more)

[Martin Wall, Irish Times, 17 October]

“Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe has said Government cannot increase Garda wages as all other public sector workers would then expect the same, writes Elaine Loughlin of the Irish Examiner. Frontline gardaí have given the Government five weeks to restore their pay or face ‘unprecedented’ strike action on four days next month …” (more)

[Irish Examiner, 29 September]

“Extra Gardaí have been drafted in to deal with the large crowds attending Galway’s unofficial Rag Week this week. The event this year coincides with Galway Novena, which attracts crowds of up to 10,000 to Galway City …” (more)

[Adrian Holmes, Galway Independent, 17 February]