Two weeks before Christmas, the former chairman of the Labour Court, John Horgan, issued a report commissioned under the Haddington Road Agreement, which recommended that gardaí who take industrial action should automatically lose their right to pension entitlements for five years. The Anti-Austerity alliance would be completely opposed to this proposal, which would, as it stands, be unlawful. Does the Government intend to try to change the law? Does it intend to introduce legislation to curb the right to strike for public servants?

The Garda has a very particular place in Irish society and nobody wants to see a situation where gardaí go on strike. The Government was willing to adopt the principle of allowing gardaí have access to the mechanisms of the State to resolve disputes. Deputy Barry is aware of the Labour Court result in that regard. Legislation will be prepared, which will be difficult. It is a matter to be considered very carefully by gardaí and their associations as to whether they wish to be part of the trade union movement. I do not want to see a situation where gardaí go on strike and nobody else does either and nor do the vast majority of gardaí themselves. The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality is working on the matter at the moment.