Two gardaí accused of sexually harassing female recruits have been transferred from the Garda training college, it emerged this evening.
A Garda Superintendent is heading up an internal investigation into the allegations.
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) confirmed the men had been moved from the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary, while the investigation was ongoing.
"They have been removed temporarily and they are being facilitated elsewhere. We don't have a problem with that, it might be fairer to them as well," said general secretary Mr PJ Stone.
A number of student ban gardaí complained about the conduct of the two men after they allegedly entered the female dormitories.
A major building programme is currently ongoing at the college to prepare for the training of 2,000 extra gardai over the next three years.
Mr Stone said it was essential that the investigation was conducted speedily. "We have to make sure there is fairness and equality in every aspect. There are a number of families involved and there is pain there," he said.
Fine Gael Justice spokesman Mr Jim O'Keeffe said he was extremely disturbed by the allegations. "Given the vital role of gardaí in dealing with sexual harassment claims in the community, it is crucial that their own internal affairs should be - and be seen to be - above suspicion," he said.
The inquiry should be completed in an open and transparent manner so that others with complaints would not be deterred from coming forward, he added.
In 2002, a Garda policy document on sexual harassment stated there was "no reason to believe that the incidence of harassment, sexual harassment and bullying in the Garda Síochána is any greater than in other areas of the public or private sector".
It introduced guidelines to ensure there was a "structured approach" for any problems that arose. However, it said these guidelines would not prevent "normal good-humoured banter" among gardaí.
A Garda spoesman declined to comment.