Three men, arrested as part of an ongoing garda investigation into the sexual abuse and neglect of children and a vulnerable adult in Co Meath, have been released without charge.
The offences are suspected to have taken place within an extended family setting.
Gardaí are also exploring if there may be any links between this investigation and the case of a vulnerable woman reported missing from the Meath area several years ago.
However, gardaí have stressed that these remain two separate investigations and three men, who were arrested earlier this week, were not questioned in relation to this woman's disappearance.
The three men, aged in their 30s, 40s and 50s, were held at various garda stations in Co Meath under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
It is understood that one man was arrested in relation to alleged sexual abuse, one was arrested in relation to neglect and cruelty, and one was detained in connection with withholding information.
The investigation has been ongoing for a number of years, but all of the alleged victims are in a place of safety.
Gardaí say no one is currently in any danger or risk of harm.
Yesterday's development in the investigation is understood to have resulted from a number of disclosures that were made to gardaí.
Gardaí have described the investigation as "sensitive" and "complex", and say they continue to work carefully with the injured parties involved.
