Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said last night that he was disappointed at the decision of the Garda Representative Body (GRA) not to invite him to address its annual conference next month as is customary.
The GRA announced that it would not be inviting the Minister because of his insistence on pressing ahead with the Garda Reserve force which it has opposed strenuously.
Speaking to reporters in Limerick where he is attending the national conference of the Progressive Democrats, he said it was a matter for the GRA to invite who it wanted.
He said that while he was disappointed, he was still prepared to discuss the matter with the GRA or anybody else who had concerns about the Garda Reserve.
Mr McDowell added: "There is support for the proposal but I am going to keep the door open for discussions. I am not going to say I am miffed at this."
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