Investigations are under way following allegations that remarks of a sexually suggestive nature were made by the Irish police after the arrest of two women involved in an anti-Corrib Gas protest last week.

As a statement was issued last night by the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan that "re-emphasised the importance of combining professionalism with sensitivity and compassion in the investigation of sexual crimes", a recording where gardaí speak about rape in relation to one of two female campaigners they had just arrested was released by the protest group last night.

The recording is believed to have occurred inadvertently after gardaí took a video camera from the women.

Last night, Mr Callinan was at pains to say that An Garda Síochána's policy on the investigation of sexual crime is to aid victims: "An Garda Síochána will continue to work closely with support organisations for victims of sexual crime and other victim support groups to ensure that our policy and approach to the investigation of sexual crime meets, first and foremost, the needs of victims."

Commissioner Callinan added: "While we are focused on achieving a successful legal outcome for a complainant, our policy and training stresses that such cases require special care and attention because of the vulnerable and difficult situation in which victims find themselves.

"We have stated clearly in the past and I want to say again this evening that a positive and compassionate attitude from members of An Garda Síochána is vital. That is our clear policy. That is the message delivered in our training. That is what we expect of Gardaí."

He went on to say that An Garda Síochána has adopted a number of initiatives designed to enhance our investigative capability in this area including the establishment of a Crime Training Faculty to train senior investigating officers, the training and appointment of specialist interviewers and the establishment of dedicated interview suites (for child victims).

He said that the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit has built up considerable expertise and experience in the investigation of sexual crime and is available to assist and advise members throughout the country.

In stressing the resources, training and experience within An Garda Síochána for the investigation of sexual crime the Commissioner stated: "I want the message to go out to the community and particularly to victims of sexual crime that they should report those crimes to Gardaí who can take the necessary steps to vindicate and protect their rights and I want to assure them that they will be met with compassion and sensitivity".

However, the Garda Ombudsman Commission has now also said it that while it had not received a report about the incident in Co Mayo, it was in the public interest to investigate it.

(BMcN/BMcC)