Garda reps face legal action over ballot

The Garda Commissioner and Justice Department officials have drawn up a plan to hit back if a strike ballot of rank and file gardai goes ahead.

Commissioner Facthna Murphy is prepared to issue direct orders to the leaders of the Garda Representative Association to cease their actions.

If those orders are ignored the leaders of the GRA could face criminal prosecution.

However it is reported the Commissioner has been advised a criminal investigation cannot proceed until the GRA prints ballot papers to send out to its members.

The Department of Justice is also considering seeking a court injunction against the GRA to prevent the ballot from taking place.

The Garda Representative Association said it is balloting members on industrial action following the pay cuts announced for public servants.