GSL security guards commenced patrolling the perimeter of Cavan Training Centre at 7pm last night as a result of action taken by members. 

General Secretary Jan McMahon, Assistant General Secretary Nev Kitchin, Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher and PSA Industrial Officers attended a meeting at Cavan Training Centre yesterday to discuss with members the Department for Families and Communities failure to comply with an agreement reached earlier this year to repair/replace the perimeter fence at this worksite. This failure has resulted in members feeling that their health and safety and that of the residents in the Centre are not being afforded the appropriate priority. 

PSA is committed to ensuring that all members are provided with a safe and healthy worksite and it is the Department's responsibility to ensure that this requirement is met at all times.

The following motion was passed by the members:

“that the necessary steps be taken to ensure the safety of staff and residents by completing the necessary work to repair/replace the perimeter fence within one month and that in the meantime security guards would commence patrolling the perimeter of the Centre 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Further, unless these measures are implemented

• residents will not be allowed to access all caged outside recreation areas including areas attached to units

• no transfers will be accepted from Magill Training Centre until the centre is deemed to be satisfactorily secured

• all residents will be locked down.”

An urgent meeting has been requested to discuss the repairing of the fence.

PSA will keep all members updated.

For further enquiries please contact PSA Industrial Officer Vanessa Ravenhill on 8205 3251