A garda based in the south of the country has been arrested for the alleged sexual abuse of minors, Garda headquarters have confirmed.
The officer, who has also been suspended from the force, is alleged to have abused his daughters over a lengthy time period.
The case is being investigated by specialist detectives from the National Protective Services Bureau. Gardaí trained in interviewing children have been drafted in to assist with the case.
“Following a garda investigation into allegations of abuse of minors, a member of An Garda Siochána based in the south of the country has been arrested and suspended,” Garda headquarters said in response to queries.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, An Garda Siochána is not commenting any further at this time,” it added.
According to the Irish Daily Star, which first reported the arrest on Monday, the allegations came to light when one of the man’s daughters was brought to hospital after becoming ill.
The allegations include rape and sexual assault over a 12 year period.