Proposed pay deal with gardaí will 'have direct benefit to State'

Garda representative bodies are welcoming the Labour Relations Commission's proposals on pay and conditions.

GRA and AGSI members are to be balloted in the coming weeks on the proposals.

Under the proposals, premium payments and allowances will remain untouched, in return for 30 hours of "free overtime".

The GRA's Central Executive Committee said the savings will "have a direct benefit to the State" and "minimise the impact on a stretched policing service".

The AGSI said the inclusion of Gardaí in direct talks with the Government on pay and conditions is a highly-significant development.

General Secretary John Redmond has said members are now prepared to play their part.