merrion street

Commenting on today’s statement issued by the Garda Representative Association, Minister Shatter stated that, "This Government’s number one priority is to restore this country’s fiscal sovereignty and a critical element of this difficult process has been the absolute need to put the public finances in order. It goes without saying that no Minister would choose to have to operate in the appalling financial position that is the legacy of the previous Fianna Fáil administrations, but unfortunately this is the reality for the current Government as it seeks to maintain public services despite the ongoing exchequer difficulties."

The Minister highlighted that notwithstanding the recent positive developments regarding the promissory notes it remains the case that we must still reduce our day to day expenditure and the costs of delivering public services. To achieve this aim, the Government is seeking to reduce the costs of public service pay and pensions by €1 billion by the end of 2015.

The Minister remarked that he "fully understands that this is a very difficult time for every person in the State including public servants and no less for those who provide 24/7 services. Unions and staff associations representing every single public servant are engaged in discussions regarding an extension of the Croke Park Agreement and as I have stated before no-one is under any illusions concerning the difficult nature of these talks and the issues to be addressed. However, I would reiterate that it is only those who participate who can contribute to, and shape, the outcome. Nothing was ever achieved by refusing to engage in dialogue and I would urge some of the Garda representative associations to re-engage with the discussions being facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission.

As Minister for Justice and Equality and Defence I fully appreciate the excellent service provided by An Garda Síochána. Gardaí provide an outstanding public service to the citizens of this State and have done so for over 90 years."

Regarding the Garda Representative Associations motion of no confidence the Minister pointed out "this is not the first time, and it won’t be the last time, that we see something of this nature. We have, from time to time, down through the years seen rows between the associations representing members of An Garda Síochána and the Minister for Justice of the day. These spats occurred in good times and in bad times and both parties simply have to get on with their respective jobs.

Separately, I understand that the Garda Commissioner has invited the representative associations to meet with him to discuss their concerns and I hope these discussions will be helpful."