DUBLIN, Ireland: The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has called off its planned industrial action after reaching progress in discussions with Garda management over working conditions and overtime arrangements.

The GRA's Central Executive Committee suspended the work-to-rule action, set to begin on November 10, after a meeting the night before.

The committee voted to suspend the action for this week after what the association described as "significant progress with the Garda Commissioner".

Garda members had planned to take part in five days of work-to-rule action. The industrial action would have coincided with two major international leaders' summits in Dublin as part of Ireland's EU Presidency.

The GRA had accused Garda management of breaching working-time agreements and relying too heavily on compulsory overtime.

Earlier, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly announced improved overtime arrangements for gardaí working during the European Political Community (EPC) meeting on November 12.

In a message to members, the Commissioner said the changes followed feedback from gardaí and aimed to improve their welfare and comfort during the event.

Under the new arrangements, gardaí required to work overtime on a rest day that has not been canceled will receive overtime pay for the equivalent length of their normal working shift, up to a maximum of six hours.

The Commissioner also said the Rosters Review Group is examining issues relating to travel time.

Additional arrangements will apply to gardaí traveling between 50 and 100 kilometers who would not normally qualify for an overnight allowance. They may submit claims for payment in exceptional circumstances.

Other changes announced by the Commissioner include adjustments to travel payments and later hotel check-out times.

In a message to its members, the GRA said it was satisfied with the assurances and commitments Garda management provided.

The association described the concessions as several important gains for its members, recognizing the extra work they had undertaken.

It also thanked Commissioner Kelly and his team for their positive engagement during the discussions.

The GRA said: "We wish to thank Commissioner Kelly and his team for their positive engagement, but most of all, we want to thank the GRA membership for their continued patience and dedication to duty during these intense negotiations."

The decision to suspend the action means the planned disruption to Garda duties during this week's international meetings will not go ahead.