Department: Solution to Garda strike has to be consistent with Lansdowne Road
Department sources declined to outline what the options are and it is unclear how they could be enough to allow association leaders reconsider industrial action.
It comes as national strike action by up to 12,500 frontline and mid-ranking gardaí is set to begin in almost a fortnight.
Ministers and Garda bosses are anxiously awaiting the outcome of crucial talks between the department and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) today and the Garda Representative Association (GRA) tomorrow.
The AGSI is starting its “escalating” industrial action tomorrow with a refusal to operate the Garda Pulse computer system. On the following Friday, administrative duties will be added.
That will be followed by a full withdrawal of labour by the 10,500 members of the GRA and the 2,000 members of the AGSI on four successive Fridays — November 4, 11, 18, and 25.
“We’re in a dispute situation,” said a department source. “We’re seized of the fact that we have to find a solution to this — but is has to be within, and consistent with, the Lansdowne Road Agreement.”
He added: “Within that, there are obviously options.”
Pressed on whether this could mean that cash could be on the table before the Public Sector Pay Commission reports, the source said that “nothing was ruled in or out” and that they were “in the business of talking”.
But he stressed that any solution cannot “offend” or “do damage to” the Lansdowne Road Agreement.
Sources said they needed to get further details from both associations as to what exactly their demands are.
The department met the GRA on Tuesday, while today’s meeting with the AGSI was the first since its special conference on Monday at which delegates voted for industrial action.
On October 4, AGSI leaders lodged a 16.5% pay claim in a meeting with Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald.
Department sources said there was “no question but the gravity of the situation is realised”.
They said the Government has stated there would be a link between the Horgan Garda Pay Review and the Public Pay Commission and the Tánaiste had given an “absolute commitment” on direct access to the Workplace Relations Commission.
The department was reluctant to comment on the legality of the actions of gardaí or if disciplinary action should be taken, saying their focus was on solving the dispute.
The Tánaiste is available to meet either association once the talks on Friday are finished.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
