despite up to six staff reporting in sick.

It is understood the workers were off yesterday and not expected to turn in today -- but their exact grievance remained unclear.

The shortfall in workers was not expected to affect the running of the department, which handles all types of motor and driving licence applications and renewals.

TCD director Donald Dane was not available for comment last night but he had earlier said it was hoped that the dispute would not affect the operation's overall efficiency.

He said TCD bosses had previously had "no idea'' that the staff had planned to simultaneously call in sick yesterday over the mystery dispute.

Last night he assumed they would also fail to show up today since the Government department's policy allowed workers to have up to two days off for health reasons without requiring them to show a medical certificate.

But he criticised the route the employees had taken to make their unhappiness known, rather than going through proper channels.

"The way that they've done this has not resolved anything. We are no closer to sorting anything out.'' GOVERNMENT GVT