Gardaí are to consider whether having an unarmed force is realistic in a time of increasingly violent crime.

The GRA, which represents over 10,500 rank and file Gardaí, is holding its annual conference in Kerry this week.

While pay will dominate the conference, there is a call to debate whether the force should remain unarmed.

Gardaí are also calling for a city allowance for members who serve in cities, in line with the higher cost of living there.

Last week, the GRA rejected a new rostering system, which the executive of the association had recommended.

The conference, which begins in Kerry today, will also hear calls to address the lack of 24 hour armed cover and frontline operational members nationwide.