Talks between the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors and the Department of Justice are entering their third day.

The union, representing middle-ranking officers, has scheduled a 24-hour work-to-rule for this Friday.

Next month, rank-and-file members with the GRA have planned four days’ of strike action.

Both of the Garda unions are pressuring the Government to resolve their long-running row over pay and conditions.

However, speaking in the Dáil last night, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald again insisted the Lansdowne Road pay deal cannot be abandoned in efforts to avoid a Garda strike.

However, as efforts to halt industrial action by Gardaí continue, it is reported a new pay deal will be put to members of the force to try and resolve their dispute.

According to the Irish Times, it is hoped the leadership of the Garda Representative Association will consider revised proposals from the Government later this week.

The offer would still be within the parameters of the Lansdowne Road pay agreement.