The Garda Commissioner says Gardai protesting over proposed pay cuts will be have to work St Patrick's Day if they're asked to by management.

Members of the force have been refusing to work overtime - in a dispute over proposed cuts to their pay, as set out in the new Croke Park Agreement.

However, Garda management have moved to clarify that St Patrick's Day - which is one of the biggest policing events of the year - is an "exceptional event", which requires a Garda to work if required.

General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors John Redmond says his members have been warned by management that they could be breaking the law with their ongoing protest.

Last week, the AGSI had a note on its website that told members they cannot be compelled to work St Patrick's Day if they are not rostered on.

Garda management then held a meeting with the AGSI and said the message could be in contravention of the Garda Síochána Act and they could be guilty of an offence.

The message has since been removed from the AGSI's website.