Rank and file Gardai say 'it's payback time' for the force.

Salary levels in the force are high on the agenda for the Garda Representative Association's annual conference which is underway in Carlow.

Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan will address delegates today.

GRA President Dermot O'Brien says his members played their part in making sacrifices during the downturn:

The association also stated that more rank and file officers need independent counselling.

The GRA will today vote on the motion which will call for all members of the force - who attend traumatic incidents - to be automatically referred to external professionals.

GRA President Dermot O'Brien says members need counselling - and shouldn't be afraid to seek it out.