Gardaí cleared of sexual harassment

TWO gardaí accused of sexually harassing female trainees at the Garda College in Tipperary have been cleared of the most serious charges following an internal investigation.

However, the pair, both instructors, have been transferred permanently out of the college after they were found to have breached regulations by entering the block where female recruits are housed, which is off limits to males.

The college in Templemore has also initiated a review of procedures after it emerged the allegations were made following a pre-Christmas party attended by hundreds of recruits, male and female, and some of the trainers. Strict instructions have now been issued reminding students they are barred from entering the block housing trainees of the opposite sex.