THE ICTU general secretary, Mr Peter Cassells, has agreed to help resolve the internal Garda dispute over representation, it has been learned.
Mr Cassells and the ICTU assistant general secretary, Mr Kevin Duffy, are to chair a meeting between the sides in the dispute next week.
Their role has been discussed and accepted by the executives of the Garda Representative Association and the break away organisation, the Garda Federation. It has been accepted also by the third party in the dispute which represent about 1,100 gardai from four rural divisions.
There was no official comment from the Garda side or the ICTU about the arrangements yesterday. All sides have agreed not to discuss details of the proceedings.
However, it is understood that Mr Cassells was approached last week by a delegation of gardai representing the three sides in the internal dispute.
The gardai involved in the dispute had already agreed to begin talks but had not chosen a chair man until the end of last week.
A larger meeting between Mr" Cassells and all 14 gardai who will be involved in the talks took place yesterday and, it is understood, Mr Cassells agreed to act as chairman.
The talks are to start formally next Thursday and will be limited to two or three days.
If the talks are successful it may make redundant Government legislation for an entirely reconstituted staff association for the 8,300 officers of garda rank.