The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) are to meet to discuss possible industrial action.

The group is to host a special delegate conference on October 17th.

The AGSI held a meeting Wednesday to discuss the outcome of recent Government meetings, at which significant garda pay matters emerged.

President Antoinette Cunningham says the AGSI are now considering a campaign of industrial action - after what she describes as "significant new information" emerging from the proposed Public Service Commission on Pay and matters relating to the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

It comes as the Garda Representative Association (GRA) unanimously rejected a proposal from the Department of Justice.

The GRA's Central Executive Committee has been meeting in Tullamore today.

The proposals put forward to the union included a commitment to restore increments and the annual rent allowance of around €4,000.

In a statement, the GRA said: "The Garda Representative Association has unanimously rejected the draft proposal by government and has been mandated by conference to take up industrial action.

"This afternoon, the Garda Representative Association conference will discuss measures in respect of industrial action."

It was revealed yesterday that members of the GRA had voted in favour of industrial action.

That ballot was conducted before the draft pay proposal was offered.