More than 70 RUC officers yesterday began a training course at the Templemore Garda college ahead of UN duties in Kosovo.
The move, representing the biggest contingent of RUC personnel to be involved in a scheme of its type, was regarded as particularly significant after the Patten report recommendations on the North's policing proposed closer links between the two forces.
Some 73 RUC officers arrived at the Co Tipperary college to receive training in techniques of serving overseas from members of the Garda, who have been in peace missions abroad for decades.