The Chairman of Clare's Joint Policing Committee has hit out at the Justice Minister over her failure to prevent strike action by Gardaí.
It comes as thousands of members of An Garda Síochána are planning to take part in indutrial action on four days next month.
Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald is briefing the cabinet today on plans to deal with the upcoming Garda strikes.
It follows a decision by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors to take part in industrial action on four days next month as part of a pay restoration row.
The GRA, which represents rank and file Gardaí, had already decided to withdraw their labour, but they've asked the Emergency Response and Regional Support units to report for duty on November 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th.
Minister Fitzgerald says she's disappointed at the AGSI's decision but is focused on finding a pathway to negotiation which is fair to their members, the taxpayer and other public sector workers.
But Gardaí are still adamant that what they're doing doesn't qualify as a strike, saying that 'not reporting for duty' won't break any rules.
AGSI President Antoinette Cunningham says politicians are actually the ones at fault.
Senior Minister Leo Varadkar claims people will never look at Gardaí the same way again if planned strikes go ahead.
He hopes a deal can be reached with the GRA and the AGSI.
But the Chairman of Clare's Joint Policing Committee claims the Justice Minister should have intervened long before now.
Sixmilebridge Councillor PJ Ryan believes Gardaí provide a vital service to our communities and should be paid appropriately.
