Behind-the-scenes talks were taking place in Tralee, Co Kerry, last night to prevent what could turn out to be an embarrassing protest by rank-and-file garda∅ in the town.
The protest is over manning levels during a visit by the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, to Tralee.
It would mean that up to 60 of the town's 86 garda∅ representing all ranks below sergeant would be willing and available for duty but would not be deployed on the streets or in patrol cars unless manning levels were correct, Mr Tony Hand, deputy general secretary of the Garda Representative Association, explained.
The visit of the Minister, who is performing the official opening of the Kerry Technology Park, takes place around noon.
It is understood a meeting between Chief Supt Fred Garvey and members of the GRA will be held before that.
There have been a number of assaults on garda∅ in Tralee in the past month, and six are currently on sick leave as a result.
Garda∅ complain about not having enough members on duty and of having two or three instead of eight to 10.
A strongly worded statement issued last weekend by the GRA said lives were being put at risk, and a complaint has been sent to the Health and Safety Authority.
Talks with Chief Supt Garvey broke down on Wednesday because of the presence of an inspector and a sergeant.
Mr Hand said Tralee was just one town where garda∅ were being assaulted, and it had to do with manning levels falling far short of what was proper.
The GRA was supporting the protest action of its Tralee members.
"Tralee is just where the bubble has burst," he said.
Having one garda on foot patrol and in mobile units was wholly improper, he added.
Mr O'Donoghue had responsibility for recruiting garda∅, Mr Hand said.
In the Dβil this week the Minster pointed out that staffing levels of all ranks at Tralee Garda station was at 86, 10 more than in 1997.
By the middle of next year the total complement of the force would stand at 12,000, the highest in the history of the State, Mr O'Donoghue said.
He had been in contact with the Garda Commissioner regarding policing issues in Tralee, he told the House.
While he was responsible for the overall provision of resources, Garda authorities were responsible for the detailed allocation of personnel and resources, he said.