Up to 2,000 rank-and-file gardaí have marched through Dublin City centre today in protest at the Government's plan to introduce a levy on public sector pensions.
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) protest and participants marched from the Parnell Square to the Dáil.
Addressing the crowd outside the Dáil, GRA general secretary PJ Stone said the march was only the beginning of the group's campaign.
“What we are saying is that we have a difficulty with a Government that has a philosophical fear of taxing those who can well afford to pay," he said.
Mr Stone said GRA members would not forget what the Government had done when politicians came seeking support in forthcoming elections. "Remember this day, remember what they have done to you," he said.
"We will say, and we are going to say from now on, 'we shall not forget'."
The GRA said gardaí have restrictions placed on their lives "unlike any other worker in the State" as they are denied rights of industrial action, are not allowed to be members of any political group, and are denied trade union status and the right to be balloted on industrial action.
The GRA is demanding the right to ballot its members on industrial action, "like any legitimate trade union".
The group is also calling on the Government to consider legislation to write down mortgages by 20 per cent and legislation that would allow people on fixed rate mortgages to be allowed to switch to variable rates without penalty.
The GRA estimated that up to 2,000 members had taken part in today's protest. No garda on duty took part.
Trade unions said yesterday they will ballot for a one-day national stoppage on March 30th if the Government doesn’t engage on a new three year economic stability plan. The 7.5 per cent pension levy on all public servant is intended to save €1.16 billion this year and €1.35 billion in a full year.
