It follows an internal Garda Report showing failings in the management of DNA testing - with a quarter of Gardai taking DNA samples without being properly trained.

GRA General Secretary Pat Ennis said the appointment of a civilian to the organisation was "an historic moment".

The lives of public and uniformed gardaí are being put at risk from the firepower of criminal gangs and the New IRA, because Garda armed units are regionally based and can be scores of kilometres from an evolving serious incident.

Rank-and-file gardaí have welcomed moves to open up the force to religious and ethnic minorities by allowing members wear turbans, hijabs and possibly other items of cultural importance.

Conditions at Sligo Garda Station have deteriorated even further since an examination of the building was conducted in May 2016, according to the engineer who conducted the surveys.

Public fractures have opened up in the Garda frontline with rank and file members and their supervisors at sharp odds over the breath test scandal.

The Garda commissioner has said ethical policing is not a “tick box exercise” and committed the organisation to implementing a code of ethics, published yesterday by the Policing Authority.

The Garda Commissioner has insisted she knew nothing about an alleged smear campaign targeting a whistleblower in the force.

The prospect of gardaí accepting the Labour Court deal was dealt a blow yesterday after the executive body of the Garda Representative Association was unable to recommend it.

The head of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) has survived a motion of no confidence as members of the force consider a Labour Court pay deal.

The head of the union representing rank-and-file gardaí in their negotiations with the Government has survived a motion of no confidence.

Pressure is mounting on the Government to fast-track the new Public Service Pay Commission as it scrambles to cope with mounting pay demands by unions in the wake of a €40m proposed deal for gardaí.

It was unclear last night if this Friday’s planned Garda strike will be resolved at today’s meeting of the Garda Representative Association as an escalating internal dispute is set to dominate.

The Garda Representative Association said the exemptions they have given to 18 units and areas will provide a “skeletal service” to protect the community and the State today.

Frontline gardaí have given the Government five weeks to restore their pay or face “unprecedented” strike action on four days.

Frontline garda representatives will ultimately make the controversial decision as to what type of industrial action will be pursued if members vote for it in a ballot.

Shane O'Grady upstaged everyone in yesterday's pro-am tournamant at The Curragh by walking in at the death with a six-under-par 66 to snatch the winner's cheque after three players were poised to split the loot.