Two gardai who allegedly started fighting with each other while on duty outside the US embassy in Dublin last year have been fired.
A statement from the Garda Press Office said the Garda Commissioner had dismissed the pair "follwing due process and an internal investigation".
It was reported at the time of the incident in June 2005 that one of the two armed officers went for a drink while on duty.
He was challenged by his colleague when he returned to the embassy in Ballsbridge and a row began.
It was further alleged at the time that the garda who had been drinking gave his firearm to a uniformed garda at the embassy, got into his car and drove away. He was stopped a short time later in Ballymun on suspicion of drink-driving.
The two gardaí were suspended after the incident and a Garda internal inquiry was established.
It is understood one man faced five charges and the other seven charges in relation to breaches of discipline and dereliction of duty.
The two Garda members who allegedly became involved in the row were the only two armed gardaí on duty at the embassy at the time.
Gardaí usually plan their meal breaks so that at least one armed member is on duty at the embassy at all times.
Civilian security staff and US marines were on duty at the embassy at the time.
Today's statement said both officers were now entitled to avail of the statutory appeals procedure.