Tipperary TD welcomes breakthrough in discussions around solving Garda roster dispute

Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has welcomed news that there has been a breakthrough in talks over the roster dispute between An Garda Síochána senior management and representative bodies of garda personnel across the country.

"I was happy to learn that all involved sat down to have a constructive discussion where views and aims were aired and heard," he said. "Had such talks taken place earlier in this dispute a great deal of stress and anger could have been avoided."

The Thurles TD said that all four Garda representative associations met senior garda management at the end of last week, where it was understood that a frank and open discussion took place.

"Central to these discussions were proposals on the issue of garda rosters, and the meeting ended with a plan to return to further talks on Monday.

"Agreement was reached at Monday’s meeting that an interim roster will be introduced in the near future.

"The details of this interim roster will not be provided until all garda personnel have been briefed.

"It was also decided that all four garda representative associations will meet on a date to be agreed in the near future, during which they will participate in internal negotiations with garda management on the terms of a new roster’