Last-ditch offer to rank-and-file Garda group unanimously rejected

The Garda Representative Association has “unanimously” rejected a last ditch Government attempt to prevent an unprecedented strike after claiming the continued focus on allowance hikes has failed to meet garda demands.

Members of the group’s executive committee, which represents rank-and-file officers, heavily criticised the proposal in a lengthy meeting last night, which senior officials described as “completely negative”.

This is because of the continued focus on rent and at-parade allowance increases instead of basic pay; no allowance increases until January 2017; the “half- deferral” of the rent allowance rise until January 2018 for new entrants; and increased hours, among other concerns.