Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

An arbitrator was appointed, namely, Mr. Ray McGee, formerly of the Workplace Relations Commission, but he resigned without coming to any conclusions. The GRA engaged with Mr. McGee but he left his position and nobody has replaced him or entered into negotiations with the Garda Síochána. The Minister made it clear yesterday that the Lansdowne Road agreement is essential and that we need people to remain within it. He said every effort will be made to deal with the current obstacles which the GRA considers are in place.

I urge the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, to meet the legitimate, elected representatives of the Garda Síochána in this country, men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect this State. We face a dangerous situation in that gardaí feel there is no other alternative for them but to stand outside Leinster House to plead to be heard. I ask this House to support me in requesting the Ministers to meet the GRA and to enter into meaningful discussions and negotiations to resolve any outstanding issues.