The reason I ask is that on the Luas this morning, a young Garda presented her badge, in lieu of a ticket, to the ticket inspector. This was accepted. It's not the first time I've seen it happen.
I know the amounts involved are only small but I must say I find it a bit disturbing that there seems to be a cavalier culture within the Gardai in which they believe that normal rules for society are optional in their case. It's also evidenced by the disgraceful (and illegal) parking that occurs outside their Harcourt St (and other) premises that icludes parking on pavements, double yellow lines, blocking wheelchair ramps.
While these actions are by themselves worrying, they also point to a potentially more serious concern of a culture of entitlement in which Gardai themselves determine how they should behave. This is something that should concern everyone.
I know the amounts involved are only small but I must say I find it a bit disturbing that there seems to be a cavalier culture within the Gardai in which they believe that normal rules for society are optional in their case. It's also evidenced by the disgraceful (and illegal) parking that occurs outside their Harcourt St (and other) premises that icludes parking on pavements, double yellow lines, blocking wheelchair ramps.
While these actions are by themselves worrying, they also point to a potentially more serious concern of a culture of entitlement in which Gardai themselves determine how they should behave. This is something that should concern everyone.