Vol. 493 No. 2
86 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who reported ill on 13 June 1998; the proportion this figure represents of gardaí originally rostered for duty on that day; the steps, if any, being taken to secure a solution to the dispute involving members of the gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15411/98]
176 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress, if any, made to resolve the issue of the Garda pay claim; the timescale in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15531/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 176 together.
The Garda authorities have informed me that the number of gardaí who reported sick on Saturday, 13 June 1998 was 3,549. This figure represents 84 per cent of the 4,225 gardaí rostered for duty on that day.
In relation to the Garda pay dispute, the position is that the Garda Representative Association has re-entered the discussions on pay under the chairmanship of Mr. Declan Brennan. I am hopeful that a settlement in accordance with Government pay policy can be agreed by both parties without any undue delay.
