Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

434. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the cost in 2017 of the deal done with the Garda Representative Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36011/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, following intensive negotiations between the Government, the Garda Representative Association and Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court issued a recommendation on 3 November last in relation to the Garda pay dispute.

The Government fully respected the decision of the Labour Court as the independent industrial relations body of last resort in the State and agreed to accept its recommendation.

It was estimated at the time that the cost of the settlement would be of the order of €50 million. Accordingly, an additional €25 million in direct exchequer funding was provided to the Garda Vote in the 2017 Revised Estimates towards the cost of the settlement with the remaining cost to be met from within the Justice Sector.

The matter continues to be kept under review in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.