The Garda Representative Association (GRA) says it has no confidence in the Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

The Executive Council of the union met today and says it now wants the Garda Commissioner to state to the force whether he believes any reduction in Garda pay will have a negative effect on policing.

The GRA says it is convinced Comissioner Martin Callinan is unaware of the impact of pay cuts and lack of resources on his workforce.

It is now seeking an urgent meeting so he can hear first hand accounts from its members.

"“The GRA urgently requests the Garda Commissioner to publicly addresses the negative effect to Garda morale resulting from speculative proposals to cut Garda pay and other proposed changes to working conditions" the body said in a statement.

Threat of 'blue flu'

Earlier this week the GRA refused to engage in talks over any new Croke Park deal which involves reductions in salary.

The Dublin Metropolitan North, Cork North and Tipperary branches of the Association all voted in favour of the 'blue flu' if Garda pay is targeted under a new Croke Park Agreement.

Speaking in the Dáil at the end of January, the Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary-Lou McDonald attacked the decision to close 100 garda stations.