Gardaí could walk out on Croke Park II talks

Rank-and-file gardaí could follow their medium-ranking colleagues out of the Croke Park II talks within a matter of days.

The executive of the Garda Representative Association, which represents 11,000 gardaí below the rank of sergeant, will meet on Wednesday to discuss the cost-saving measures presented to it by the Government as it seeks to achieve €1bn in cuts to the public service pay bill.

Following a meeting of its national executive yesterday, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, which has about 2,000 members, confirmed it was pulling out of talks after the Government had sought, among other things, one extra working hour per day; reduced overtime pay; elimination of twilight hours and Saturday allowance; and a reduction of Sunday and public holiday allowances.

Similar concessions have been sought from members of the GRA.

Its president, John Parker, said the organisation had made it clear from the outset that they were not entering negotiations on cuts to pay and allowances.

“We are complying with Croke Park [existing agreement]. That is what our members balloted for us to do,” he said.

“The executive will make the decision [as to what we do next]. Personally I cannot see cuts to our members’ pay being acceptable.”