The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors is to seek special training in the handling of garda informants.
At its annual conference in Kilkenny this morning, the AGSI agreed to direct its national executive to ask the Garda Commissioner to begin this training immediately for all members of the force.
This follows criticism of the gardaí at the Morris Tribunal on the handling of informants.
Delegates also called once again on the Minister for Justice to set up a national database of the DNA genetic fingerprints of all convicted criminals.
Garda sergeants and inspectors say they are extremely frustrated that this issue has been overlooked once again and is not included in the forthcoming Criminal Justice Bill.
Changes urged in traffic enforcement
The AGSI also says gardaí are under pressure to issue tickets for road traffic offences to keep the rate of detections up.
The Kilkenny conference heard that the practice is creating conflict between gardaí and the public, and risks damaging the credibility of the force.
Delegates have voted in favour of a motion to re-examine traffic enforcement measures.
They say there have been cases where gardaí have apologised to drivers for issuing them tickets for driving at a few kilometres over the speed limit.
They also want the re-establishment of dedicated Road Traffic Units, small teams of gardaí tasked to examine the safety and roadworthiness of cars and lorries on the road.
