The main Garda staff association has voted not to co-operate with the introduction of a £50 million computerised information system until its demands for extra pay for productivity are met.
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) heard that any attempt to forcibly introduce the system would be met with "conflict".
The newly elected GRA general-secretary, Mr P.J. Stone, referred to the Minister for Finance as a "jennet" (a cross between a pony and donkey) for refusing to allow additional payments to gardai for operating the new system.
Yesterday the association unanimously endorsed its leadership's pay negotiation stance of refusing to co-operate with the introduction of the new system.
The computerised information system, known as PULSE (police using leading systems effectively), is a cause of major concern for Garda management, who had wanted it to be operating by early summer. The system is designed to provide all stations with instant access to collated material on criminals, court appearances and crimes. PULSE is the most expensive single computer network ever installed in the State.
Although no official claim was discussed, it is understood the GRA is seeking a 7 per cent pay increase on top of other productivity and statutory public sector pay increases. The Force is due a statutory pay rise of 6.25 per cent from July 1st under the Partnership 2000 pay round.
The pay negotiations over the introduction of PULSE, which began at the end of last year, broke down two weeks ago. The claim is now going to an adjudication board under the chairmanship of Mr Gerard Durkan SC.
The GRA president, Mr John Healy, said if there was any attempt by Garda management to order members to work the new system there would be "immediate industrial action".
Mr Michael Byrne, of the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, called for support for the 100 Garda collators who have primary responsibility for inputting information into the system.
"If they are victimised, if there is a direction or communication from the Commissioner, there will be immediate industrial action by the whole force. Collators should be brought to meetings with their CEC (central executive committee of the GRA) and reassured there is whatever support is needed.
Mr Stone said the association had been prepared to negotiate on PULSE, along with the introduction of extra civilian staff and new rosters. Garda management had to be convinced that the association needed latitude to negotiate further but there were "more powerful influences" being brought to bear on the negotiations, which he identified as the Department of Finance.
He said the breakdown in negotiations was a result of having a "jennet as a minister for finance" who was refusing additional productivity pay and they were now "heading into conflict".
Speakers also attacked the other Garda staff association, which represents sergeants and inspectors, after it was revealed they had agreed to comply with the introduction of the new system.