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

As I have said, it is important to allow the process that has been put in place to run its course. I believe that is the priority right now. I want to ensure every member of the Garda is aware of the details of the recommendations that have been made by the Labour Court. The associations will make sure of this. It is very important that those details are circulated so that members of An Garda Síochána have an opportunity to look at the recommendations, assess the impact they will have on each of them and consider very carefully their response. That is really where we have to keep the main focus. The Department of Justice and Equality, which has a budget of over €2 billion, will examine the outcome of that ballot. If it is accepted, I will discuss its budgetary implications with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The question of how public pay will be determined next year is a whole-of-government issue.

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