Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the way negotiations on pay talks with Gardai differ to that of other public servants; if it is possible to redress any perceived imbalance in representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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At a sectoral level, the Garda Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme provides a framework for discussions between Garda management, my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the one hand and representatives of the Garda associations on the other hand. The scheme covers such issues as pay, allowances, terms and conditions and other matters. The scheme, which is similar to schemes operating elsewhere in the public service, provides for a Conciliation Council, an Arbitration Board and an Adjudicator and covers all ranks of the Garda Síochána up to and including the rank of Chief Superintendent.

At the national level, talks between public service employers and staff representatives on a revision to the Croke Park Agreement were recently concluded. All staff representatives were invited to attend these talks which were facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission. The Deputy will also be aware that the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and the Garda Representative Association chose not to participate in those talks.