Two Garda unions have strongly criticised comments from the Chairman of the Public Sector Pay Commission, Kevin Duffy, over the recent Garda industrial dispute.

Politicians and senior backroom officials will be forced to provide in-depth details of any potential “conflict of interest” issues, with a new watchdog set up to ensure the moves take place, under new Mahon Tribunal-inspired Government plans.

The eight union executives which have urged their members reject the Croke Park II deal will meet officially for the first time next week to discuss a strategy to “protect existing pay rates and terms and conditions”.