Gardai have launched a full criminal probe into allegations of sexual abuse within the Irish Defence Forces.
A total of 26 complaints have so far been received, but Gardai expect to receive more.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the investigation, which was been led by the National Protective Services Bureau, was independent of the military authorities and that there may be predators and victims of multiple offences in the Defence Forces.
He was speaking last night at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors conference in Galway.
The Defence Forces has welcomed the announcement and said it will assist gardaí if required.
The report of the Independent Review Group, which identified verbal, physical, psychological and sexual abuse of women in the Defence Forces, has resulted in the establishment of a garda criminal investigation.
The commissioner said they had been in discussions with the military authorities prior to the IRG report, but that this was the “prudent action” to take in terms of being ready to receive complaints of serious sexual assault.
