The Government could face industrial action by thousands of teachers and gardaí if it imposes financial penalties on them for repudiating the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

Gardaí cannot afford to pay their mortgages and bank loans, according to the body that represents rank and file members of the force.

The Garda Representative Association has said says the policing system will fall apart if the Department of Justice goes ahead with plans to cut the Garda payroll provision by €35m this year.

The President of the Garda Representative Association claims gardaí will not be able to cope if the force is reduced to 13,000.

The President of the Garda Representative Association has said an investigation has been launched into claims that a newly elected TD is growing and using cannabis.