The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors says it’s extremely disappointed that the Justice Minister isn’t attending its annual conference.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald had been scheduled to attend the three day conference in Killarney, but pulled out last week citing a busy Dail schedule.

Two motions are due to be debated this week concerning the Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan, in the wake of the most recent scandals to hit the force.

The AGSI won’t be drawn into the reasons for the breathalyser inflation or the wrongful conditions, citing the multiple investigations that are ongoing.

AGSI President Antoinette Cunningham said members were extremely disappointed that Minister Fitzgerald wasn’t attending, particularly at a time of crisis for the force;

Meanwhile, there’s been some consternation about one of the motions calling for it to be made an offence to take photos or footage of gardai on duty.

The National Union of Journalists has expressed concern over the motion, due to be debated on Wednesday, which calls on the Justice Minister to make it an offence to capture an image of gardai during the course of their work.

But AGSI members in Killarney have clarified that it’s not about simply filming or photographing gardai on duty, but rather where people are using such images/videos to identify and harass gardai and their families on social media.

Sergeant Pat Baldwin is based in Kilkenny;