GARDA REPRESENTATIVE bodies say a deal reached at the Labour Relations Commission would see them retain their premium payments for working unsocial hours.

The deal comes as the Labour Relations Commission continues negotiations with unions and associations from across the public service, in efforts to arrange a new public sector pay deal after the Croke Park 2 proposals were rejected.

The Garda Representative Association, which represents rank-and-file members of the force, said it would now ballot its members on the proposals – a move which could take up to six weeks.

It said the proposals would leave Garda allowances – which members consider a significant portion of their core pay – untouched, but did not discuss other aspects of the proposals on the table.

It said the measures would minimise the impact on the policing service and the wellbeing of staff who provided it, but that ultimately without further recruitment and decreasing staff numbers, the savings would have a direct benefit on the State.

However, the body expressed satisfaction that it had been able to engage in direct negotiations with employers about its working conditions – the first time it has been given the chance to do so.

Because Gardaí are forbidden from joining formal trade unions, they are not permitted to join the Irish Congress of Trade Unions – the vehicle through which the previous public sector pay deals have been negotiated.

“We understand this to be a precedent mechanism for any future negotiations; and can be seen as recognition of our loyalty to the people of Ireland,” said GRA general secretary PJ Stone.

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