A former Garda superintendent has told the Smithwick Tribunal there was "unease" about links between a member of the force serving in Dundalk and members of the Provisional IRA.
Retired Det Supt Tom Connolly said he had "probably" been briefed on the Garda concern before being posted to Dundalk in November 1998, but said he had "certainly" heard of such unease while he was serving there.
He said he had been told "by some sources there was unease about some individual".
Mr Connolly did not name the officer who was the subject of the unease and counsel for the tribunal Justin Dillon said it would be a matter to which the tribunal would return. Mr Connolly is to return to the tribunal to give further evidence at a later date.
The tribunal is inquiring into suggestions that members of An Garda Síochána or other employees of the State colluded in the killings of two RUC officers as the officers returned to Northern Ireland after a meeting in Dundalk Garda Station in March 1989.
The IRA later claimed responsibility for the killing of chief superintendent Harry Breen - the highest ranking RUC officer to be killed in the troubles - and his colleague Bob Buchanan.
The hearing is continuing.
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