Middle-ranking Gardaí are today refusing to use the Garda computer system, in an unprecedented industrial action.

It’s the first of six days of work-to-rule action by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.

Garda management however say procedures are in place to minimise the effects to the public.

A certain number of members have been exempted from the industrial action so that records of crimes will be still added to the Pulse system, so as not to threaten future prosecutions.

The action comes as part of a campaign for a 16.5% pay increase for members, as well as the right to be formally recognised as a trade union, and the right to take part in future national pay talks.

The government and Fianna Fáil are both calling for a quick resolution to the dispute, which comes ahead of four one-day work stoppages by rank-and-file Gardaí next month.

Sinn Féin is supporting the industrial action, on the principle that Gardaí should be allowed to form trade unions and strike in a similar way to other workers.