A male garda has been suspended from duty after allegations that he had inappropriate sexual relations with a teenage boy, with whom he was involved in a relationship.
A garda superintendent, from outside the county where the offences are alleged to have occurred, has been appointed to conduct the investigation.
The garda, who is based at a station outside Dublin, will remain on suspension until that investigation has been completed.
A garda spokesman confirmed that an investigation had begun.
The spokesman confirmed that the garda had been suspended.
However, he said he was precluded from making further comment on the case because the investigation is on-going.
RTÉ News understands that the relationship between the garda and the boy, who is aged 16, is alleged to have been ongoing for a number of months before a family member became suspicious.
The allegations were reported to the gardai within the past fortnight and the garda was suspended from duty at the weekend.
It is not known how long the investigation will take, but it is understood that statements will be taken from the boy, from his parents and from other family members.
The garda at the centre of the allegations will also be interviewed.
