The Finance Minister says the deal offered to Gardai is more generous than anticipated by the Government.

Michael Noonan is warning that extending the pay deal given to Gardai across the public service is simply not affordable.

Cabinet will discuss the Labour Court ruling tomorrow - but is unlikely to reject it.

However Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald will be told the extra money will have to come from within her existing resources.

The Public Expenditure Minister's to meet trade unions this week to warn them the public finances cannot afford knock-on claims.

Speaking in Brussels at a Eurozone Finance ministers meeting, Michael Noonan says the pay deal given to Gardaí wasn't expected: