Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Labour Court is independent and has made it clear that it cannot make a decision on the claim today and that it needs more time. That is the very reason the associations should not go ahead with their planned action tomorrow.

Contingency planning is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the first instance. The Government and I have been involved in discussions with the Garda Commissioner and have been kept informed by her as to the nature of the contingency plan being developed. For the reasons the Deputy has outlined, the details of that cannot be made public. The Commissioner and her management team will explain that contingency plan in detail for the public later if it is decided that the strike is to proceed. The GRA is in discussions with the Commissioner about the kind of support it can offer in the event of the withdrawal of its members tomorrow. Of course, people will be concerned and it is a different situation if we do not have the full complement of gardaí out there. Every effort will continue to be made to ensure the public is safe, that there is a response to 999 calls, that commerce continues, that airports and ports remain open, that business goes on and in so far as is possible and that there will be maximum safety for Irish citizens even with the limited resources that will be available.

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