Opposition parties have described the first report of the Morris tribunal as a shocking indictment of Garda procedures and management.
The Labour Party's justice spokesman said the report depicts "the most bizarre tale imaginable of criminal conduct by individual members of the Garda".
Mr Joe Costello said the report includes some of the most serious findings ever made against members of the Garda Siochana in its 80-year history.
"The findings of this report will further undermine public confidence in the force and unless the issues raised are urgently dealt with in an appropriate manner, even greater damage will be done," he said.
"The report is a vindication of members of the Oireachtas, including my colleague, Brendan Howlin, who showed such courage and determination in pursuing these issues and insisting that a full public inquiry be established to investigate them."
Mr Costello said it was quite shocking to read of what Mr Justice Morris, the tribunal chairman, described as "the combination of corruption and negligence which characterised the relevant period in County Donegal".
"It is equally disturbing to read his conclusion that this could easily occur again under different circumstances."
"One of the most serious criticisms of the Garda Siochana as an institution was the finding that members were disinclined to volunteer information and that information was deliberately withheld from Mr. Justice Morris.
"It is absolutely essential that the recommendations of the tribunal now be implemented in full at an early stage. There also has to be a far more urgent approach to whole issue of Garda reform and accountability."
Fine Gael's justice spokesman, Mr Jim O'Keeffe, said Mr Justice Morris was to be congratulated for such a comprehensive, clear report that does not fudge difficult issues.
"The report is a damning indictment of individual members of the Garda Siochana. These people must obviously be dealt with and be answerable for their actions subject to due process," Mr O'Keeffe said.
"The most important aspect of the report is the findings of Judge Morris relating to the structure and management of An Garda Siochana and its obligation to account for itself to the Government, and through it to the people. It is imperative that steps are taken immediately to restore the confidence of the
public in the force that since the foundation of the State has served the nation so well. It is essential that the structural defects and deficiencies identified in the report be now addressed."
The Green Party called for the dismissal of senior gardai from the force in the light of the tribunal's intereim report. The party's justice spokesman, Mr Ciaran Cuffe, said the report was a "horrendous indictment" of Garda procedures and management from Donegal to Dublin.
"Heads must roll within the Gardai," he said.
"The Tribunal regarded with disquiet the promotion to senior ranks of persons who were unwilling or unable to give to their vocation the energy and aptitude that it demanded. I believe that those individuals should be dismissed from the force."
Mr Cuffe said the report had introduced a new term - 'Garda speak' - which Mr Justice Morris effectively said was the practice of gardai avoiding questions in court.
"This reflects terribly on the force. This culture of "Omerta" or code of silence must end. The Minister for Justice must seek immediate resignations from the force," Mr Cuffe said.
He added that the Green Party intends amending the Garda Síochána Bill to ensure that modern management structures are put in place.