The Justice Minister has again urged rank and file Gardai to return to the table on talks for an extension to the Croke Park Agreement.

Alan Shatter has also laughed off a motion of no confidence in him by the Garda Representative Association (GRA), saying they have "gone to war" with most Justice Ministers.

He has denied that his relationship with the Gardai has been damaged after the organisation which representing rank and file members adopted the no confidence motion.

The GRA is opposing plans to cut garda pay and close rural garda stations.

'Anger is no substitute for engagement'

The Minister says its nothing new for the GRA to clash with the government after public differences between former Justice Ministers Dermot Ahern and Michael McDowell in the past.

The Minister says that anger and personal abuse are no substitute for engagement.

He says this is a time of change and that all people must embrace that change and has urged them to re-engage with his Department about the proposed cuts.