Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

They are very well understood but I do not think it is simply a matter of saying that we do not have the money to resolve this. There is only one way this will be resolved. It will be resolved in the same way that every other dispute has been resolved, namely, around the negotiating table. The quicker we get back to that, the better. We certainly do not want to waste the next six weeks trying to resolve this. I am glad that there will be no grandstanding because this will escalate even within the next six weeks. We know that the AGSI will have a special delegate conference to discuss this matter. Time is of the essence.

The Tánaiste spoke about the deal concluded by the Government with the management last week and which has now been rejected. I spoke to one Garda this morning. One thing that really stuck in his craw was the issue of the rent allowance of €4,000. New gardaí are coming in on salaries of €23,000. This is not a case of me sensationalising the issue. I am sure the Tánaiste is well aware of it. Gardaí speak to her as frequently as anyone else in this House, probably more frequently. New gardaí are earning €23,000 and do not have that allowance and are being forced to sleep in their cars. That is not acceptable. I do not think it is fair of this Government to use an allowance like that as a quid pro quobargaining chip in any negotiations.

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