Gardaí to increase opposition to cuts

Gardaí are set to increase their campaign of opposition to further cutbacks to their pay and allowances by refusing to issue fines for motor tax offences from later this week.

The Garda Representative Association is to consider a range of measures to demonstrate the resistance of gardaí to proposals contained in the Croke Park II document published last week to knock a further €1 billion off the public service pay bill.

The GRA’s central executive committee is meeting today to discuss further actions open to its members to highlight opposition to proposed cuts to Garda pay under Croke Park II.

Among the main options being considered is the refusal to issue fines for motor tax offences — a move that could further escalate tensions between the GRA and Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

The GRA, which represents around 11,000 gardaí, met with Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan last month to highlight its concern about a lack of resources within the force.

It is understood GRA leaders are coming under pressure from ordinary gardaí to adopt a strong position against the proposed cutbacks.

Meanwhile, Mr Shatter said it was regrettable that the GRA had not participated in the Croke Park II talks.

“They chose at a very early stage to exit from the talks. As a consequence they weren’t able to present, decided not to present, to those engaged on the other side with the Labour Relations Commission, the very special issues members of the force are concerned about,” Mr Shatter said.

The GRA was not available for comment last night.