There have been calls for the HSE to investigate the case of Dr Niall McElwee after it emerged that gardaí and the HSE Midlands region were aware of allegations against him three years ago.
A garda sergeant was part of a research visit to the Netherlands in 2004 during which the Athlone IT lecturer was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences.
Dr McElwee, head of the child and youth care learning centre at AIT, was convicted of a sexual offence in relation to the incident in 2005.
He resigned from his job earlier this week after AIT became aware of the conviction.
The Minister for Children, Brendan Smith, has requested the Health Service Executive investigate the case.
A garda statement this evening confirmed that a sergeant was part of the group that had travelled to Amsterdam but was not present when the incident took place.
Gardaí say they and the HSE Midlands region were informed of the incident on the garda's return to Ireland.
The HSE has issued a statement saying it 'is looking into all the circumstances surrounding the issue in question.'
Meanwhile, the Director of Athlone IT has defended the college's handling of the incident.
Professor Ciaran O'Cathain said the institute moved swiftly to seek Dr Niall McElwee's resignation as soon as they found out about the conviction.
He said there was nothing at any stage in references given for Dr McElwee before his appointment to raise any concern, saying they were clear, encouraging and very supportive.
While insisting that the institute had never taken disciplinary action against Dr McElwee for any reason during his time in the college, he said AIT could not be held responsible for what someone did in their own personal time.
Prof O'Cathain said the IT would be giving consideration to a review of vetting procedures alongside other ITs.
It is understood the incident occurred in an Amsterdam hotel and involved four girls from the US, aged between 15 and 18.
Although Dr McElwee was acquitted on three charges, the court formally ruled in a judgment that he was guilty of proven attempted indecent assault.
He was given a three-month suspended sentence, although he continued to work at Athlone IT until last week.
The institute only became aware of the offence in the last eight days.
The 40-year-old had a high-profile role in alcohol and drug abuse research at Institutes of Technology in both Athlone and Waterford.
Waterford IT comments on 1999 incident
Waterford Institute of Technology has issued a statement commenting on an issue relating to the appropriateness or otherwise of lecture material being used by Dr McElwee at WIT.
Dr McElwee worked as a lecturer in the area of social care at the college until 2001.
The statement says an issue was raised by a member of staff with senior management at the Institute in 1999.
The staff member reported that students were concerned at the nature of the material being used and a review of the material was conducted.
The institute says that while there was considerable support for the continued use of the material, a decision was taken which deemed it inappropriate.
Dr McElwee was instructed to immediately discontinue its use, which he did.
The college says no other complaints were received from students in relation to Dr McElwee's conduct.
Controversy prompts row over vetting
Irish childcare groups say the resignation raises vetting issues for staff recruitment at third level.
A senior executive with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Caroline O'Sullivan, said there should be statutory vetting of anybody who works with children, including the CEOs and board members of childcare organisations.
The Minister of State for Children, has insisted the very best procedures are being put in place for the vetting of anybody who works with children.
Mr Smith said garda vetting procedures were very thorough and new regulations will be introduced in September in the childcare sector.
But the Chief Executive of the children's charity, Barnardos, has criticised the absence here of any law to make vetting mandatory.
Speaking to RTÉ News, Fergus Finlay said the situation that arose in Athlone IT highlighted once again the need for statutory vetting of people who work with children not just on a frontline basis, but in a managerial or professional capacity as well.
He said that unlike the UK, Ireland does not have any law on vetting and depends solely on guidelines and regulation.
Mr Finlay said that Ireland is lucky that we have a very, very good garda vetting Office, which is completely committed to child protection.
But he emphasised that there has been talk for a long time in Ireland about putting best practice in place, but it cannot be done until the law requires it.
Mr Finlay asked the Government to put the guidelines on a proper statutory basis as soon as possible.
