Plans for a Garda Reserve forces are "floundering", the Garda Representative Association (GRA) conference was told today.
In his opening address GRA president John Egan said its members would abide by the law with regard to the reserve force's introduction.
"This past year has been difficult for our Association with the Garda Reserve issue still very fresh on our minds," Mr Egan told delegates in Westport, Co Mayo. "Despite our best efforts, the Government proceeded with this measure which, as we predicted, has been floundering."
Garda Representative Association President John Egan on the issue of the Garda Reserve forces.
"That said, we accept that the Reserve is now law and we will abide by the law," he added.
When the Reserve was launched the GRA threatened a policy of non-co-operation but were warned by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell they would be breaking the law if they disobeyed an order to co-operate.
Mr Egan also welcomed and pledged support for the new Garda Ombudsman Commission and Garda Inspectorate.
"We welcome the Ombudsman Commission and hope and trust that it will be just, fair and respect human rights, including those of our members. We also welcome the Inspectorate which is assured of our support," he said.
This morning, the Green Party pledged to prioritise the upgrade of Garda stations if elected to government.
Speaking after the GRA today said the condition of some stations was "deplorable", Greens justice spokesman Ciaran Cuffe said the Government had not honoured its commitment to tackle the problem.
"I have been raising this issue with [Minister for Justice] Michael McDowell for five years now, and I have seen few indications of progress during this time," Mr Cuffe said.
He said the condition of Finglas Garda Station, where a walk-out was threatened last year, highlighted the extent of the problem.
The station is a converted cottage which gardai say is too small for its staff compliment and unsuitable for detaining prisoners for more than 24 hours.
Mr McDowell this morning said building work on the station was due to begin soon and that the Government had spent €112 million on upgrading stations and had allocated a further €260 million in the National Development Plan.
He told RTÉ radio that bureaucracy meant that "in the past progress has been slow in respect of some - and many Garda stations". But he said the appointment of a new Garda project manager would speed up works in the future.