A Clare barrister insists that laws preventing Gardaí from taking part in strike action need to be reformed.
Former Labour TD Michael McNamara has previously fought to change the law as Garda members currently face hefty fines or even jail time if they engage in or encouarge industrial action, but this motion was defeated in the Dáil in 2005.
He says that if other workers, including nurses, withdrew from their duties, unions would put a strategic plan ensuring adequate cover in place, but he believes that for Gardaí to do the same would be illegal.
Michael McNamara says the decision for Gardaí to go ahead with strike action is a result of several years of frustration within the force and he believes their inability to negotiate better conditions remains the key issue.
Meanwhile, the Tánaiste and Justice Minister says she will now invite the Garda Representative Association to talks this week to try and avert next month's strike.
Rank and file Gardaí are to walk off the job on four dates in November in a row over pay.
Frances Fitzgerald says she hopes she can find a way to resolve this dispute.
