Talks between rank and file Gardaí and the Department of Justice have resumed at the Labour Court tonight.

Last ditch efforts have been ongoing today in a bid to avert strike action by GRA members on Friday.

The talks resumed following a meeting of the unions executive this evening.

Meanwhile the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors is due to take part in talks at the Labour Court tomorrow.

GRA have released the following statement: “The decision of Conference on Industrial action on the 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th November 2016 made on 28th September 2016 remains in place unless we hear of substantial and significant progress towards real and tangible increases in pay.

“In order to progress the negotiations the GRA Central Executive Committee has agreed to ballot the membership of the GRA on any non binding recommendations of the Labour Court.

“The Labour Court requires that the distribution of such ballot to the membership be agreed as a prerequisite before it can hear our case.

“The Association remains fully engaged in the negotiation process.”