Deal on Croke Park II closer as garda representatives welcome LRC proposals

A deal on Croke Park II could be edging closer for the government following the welcoming by Garda representatives of Labour Relations Commission proposals on pay and conditions.

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

Members of the AGSI and GRA will be balloted on the proposals in the coming weeks.

The LRC Chief Executive has been given 48 hours to continue talks with unions - but the Government said that it is prepared to reach agreement with individual trade unions - if no collective deal on Croke Park II is reached.

"It is very significant from our members point of view they are already at the pin of their collar," said general secretary of the AGSI John Redmond.

"Not alone would their pay have been cut but their allowances would have been cut and cut significantly

"They really couldn't afford that so I think they will willingly give the extra hours subject to those few clarifications that we're waiting on and continue to support the country getting back on its feet."