A former chair of the Labour Court says Gardai should lose some of their pension rights if they go on strike.

John Horgan admits it's an unprecedented idea - but says it's something the Tánaiste should consider.

He says the move would reflect the "special and unique nature of police work" - but should come hand in hand with trade union status and access to the Labour Court.

It's part of areview of all Garda pay and conditions commissioned last year, and published today.

There is no indication, however, of whether Frances Fitzgerald intends to put the idea into practice.

She issued a press release earlier today to welcome the report - but didn't make any comment on whether she accepted its findings.

Professor Horgan's report suggested there was no need for new laws to give effect to the idea, as it could be implemented through ministerial regulations.