I propose to take Questions Nos. 586, 587, 588, 606, 610, 615, 622, 624 and 625 together.
Discussions between official and staff representatives on Garda pay have taken place, under the chairmanship of Mr. Declan Brennan, with a view to reaching a settlement which would be in accord with national pay policy as set out in the various national pay agreements culminating in Partnership 2000. Earlier this month, at separate meetings between the official side and the Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors a pay offer was made which was subject to ongoing discussions on productivity and savings. This offer was rejected by the staff side. The Garda Representative Association is seeking a pay increase of the order of 39 per cent.
At the end of last week the official side responded positively to a proposal from the chairman which would have involved an improvement in the offer to both associations on the condition that the proposed industrial action would be deferred and the associations would return to the pay discussions. However, the Garda Representative Association has rejected the offer, while the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors has agreed to defer its industrial action and to resume discussions with the official side.
The Association of Garda Superintendents and the Association of Chief Superintendents are also participating in the pay discussions.
I have made it clear in my meetings with the gardaí that I accept their important role in our society as guardians of the peace. However, they must also accept that pay should be dealt with fairly in accordance with the standards which apply to other groups in this society. This standard has been set in negotiations at national level between the social partners and is set out in the various national agreements and in Partnership 2000.