There will still be sufficient security at EU Presidency events if Gardaí vote for industrial action, the Government has promised. 

Today, the executive committee of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) will vote on whether to adopt a work-to-rule policy for the final months of Ireland’s EU Presidency. 

It would mean that Gardaí would carry out only the agreed terms and conditions of their employment, undertaking no additional duties. 

It comes following a GRA survey that found that 92% of respondents were prepared to take industrial action. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Minister of State for Justice Catherine Ardagh said she recognises the “really important job” that Gardaí do. 

“This obviously is taken really seriously,” she said. 

“Why we're going to be taking it so seriously is that there'll be a reduced level of flexibility between our Gardaí operations level. 

“That doesn't mean that there will be no security and if you look at the job the commissioner and the Gardaí force has done so far, we've had a really successful presidency so far.” 

However, the Fianna Fáil TD added that the Garda Commissioner remains “very confident in his force” and that rosters will be arranged to factor in the needs of the EU Presidency. 

“They're not saying they'll have less Gardaí available,” she said. 

“They're saying the Gardaí that are working will be working within their contractual hours.

“The Garda Commissioner has given a lot of notice stating that Gardaí won't be allowed to take their leave between 10th November and 14th November.” 

Minister Ardagh added that Gardaí will have “less flexibility” but the Garda Commissioner has “prepared” sufficiently for industrial action.

Main image: Gardaí on Castle Street during the official opening ceremony of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie.