An internal Garda inquiry has recommended that two gardaí be dismissed after they allegedly became involved in a row while guarding the US embassy in Dublin.
It was reported at the time of the incident in June 2005 that one of the two armed officers went for a drink while on duty.
He was challenged by his colleague when he returned to the embassy in Ballsbridge and a row began.
It was further alleged at the time that the garda who had been drinking gave his firearm to a uniformed garda at the embassy, got into his car and drove away. He was stopped a short time later in Ballymun on suspicion of drink-driving.
The two gardaí were suspended after the incident and a Garda internal inquiry was established.
It is understood one man faced five charges and the other seven charges in relation to breaches of discipline and dereliction of duty.
The two Garda members who allegedly became involved in the row were the only two armed gardaí on duty at the embassy at the time.
Gardaí usually plan their meal breaks so that at least one armed member is on duty at the embassy at all times.
Civilian security staff and US marines were on duty at the embassy at the time.
A spokesman for the GRA, the Garda Representative Association, said yesterday that the Garda internal inquiry had been completed.
However, an appeals process would now begin and due process would commence and be gone through. No disciplinary action would be taken pending the appeal, the spokesman said.