The Minister for Communications says gardaí are not being treated less favourably than other public sector workers.

Pat Rabbitte is urging members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) to return to Croke Park discussions on pay cuts.

He says that threatening 'Blue Flu' action is not appropriate.

Three branches of the GRA have already voted in-favour of the strike action.

Meanwhile the body as a whole has refused to take part in any discussions - arguing that cuts to pay belittles the job they do.

Stepping-up campaign 

The 24/7 Alliance is also stepping up its campaign of resistance against public sector pay cuts.

The group represents some 70,000 frontline emergency workers and say the plan to reduce pay by over 10% is totally unacceptable and unrealistic.

The unions representing Gardai, nurses and prison officers are warning they will take whatever action is necessary to protect their members pay.

Minister Rabbitte told Breakfast here on Newstalk that cuts need to be made and will be in place for the next 3 years.

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Speaking in the Dail last week, Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Pádraig Mac Lochlainn accused Fianna Fáil of a "breath taking hypocrisy" over their criticisms of the cuts.