The Taoiseach has said “there is no question” of the army standing in for the Gardaí if they go ahead with their strike on Friday.

With just two days to go before 12,500 members of the force refuse to report for duty, last ditch talks are underway at the Labour Court today and tomorrow.

The group representing rank and file officers is discussing pay and conditions this afternoon. Their middle ranking colleagues will follow suit tomorrow.

Gardaí may be asked to postpone Friday’s action, until the Labour Court reaches a ruling.

Enda Kenny said that no matter what happens, we will not have the army on the streets.

“I want to point out there is no question of the defence forces undertaking the duties of the Garda Síochána,” he said.

“They are only an aid to the civil power and would only stand in as an aid to the civil power, were that necessary.”