Garda sergeants and inspectors pull out of Government talks

The organisation representing middle-ranking gardaí has pulled out of discussions on extending the Croke Park agreement.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has called on them to reconsider.

Cuts proposed, including the reduction or removal of allowances for weekend and night work, were intrusive, annoying and unacceptable, John Redmond, general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) said.

The association decided yesterday it would be best not to continue with the discussions.

The Government has sought a saving of €62 million over the next three years from gardaí. It hopes to extend the current Croke Park agreement to include the cuts.

Mr Redmond said last night the proposals included an extra hour of work per day. Increments had also been targeted and an increase in Garda pension contributions was suggested.

The changes were unpalatable because the allowances formed a significant part of pay, Mr Redmond said. He ruled out going back into the discussions.

“There is no question of going back,” he said.

A spokesman from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform said the departure of any union was disappointing. Talks would continue to see if an acceptable outcome for public servants could be achieved, he said.