An internal Garda investigation into a wide range of serious allegations against members of the force in Co Donegal, which led to the suspension of one detective last week, is likely to continue for some time.
Garda sources said new evidence was being uncovered all the time in what was a very complex investigation, and that it would be "a long time before it reaches a conclusion".
Described by gardai as an investigation into "the movement of arms and equipment", the allegations, which were made by the wife of a garda, relate to a number of hoax bomb alerts in the early 1990s.
It is alleged that members of the Garda split up a genuine arms find to give the impression they had been successful in uncovering a number of caches. It is further alleged they set up a hoax bomb across the Border and then tipped off the RUC, again in an attempt to get the credit for intelligence-gathering.
The allegations have been denied by the gardai named by the woman.
Those in charge of the investigation, which started in April and is being led by Sligo-based Assistant Commissioner Mr Kevin Carty, said they could not comment other than to say it was "ongoing" and to confirm that the Letterkenny-based garda had been suspended on full pay.
Other allegations relating to how Co Donegal gardai conducted a murder investigation in 1996 are also being examined by the investigating team. It is understood there are certain links between the two sets of allegations.
Since April, a Garda superintendent, formerly based in Letterkenny, was transferred at his own request. A large number of gardai and civilians have been interviewed, and, in June, a garda was among four people questioned at Manorhamilton Garda station in relation to the allegations.