It is understood that Supt David Taylor applied today to retire from An Garda Síochána.

This follows his suspension from the force yesterday.

No decision has yet been made on whether to accept his retirement application, but he has accumulated the full 30 years service required.

This would make it difficult to refuse his request despite the likelihood of a looming disciplinary investigation.

RTÉ News understands that Supt Taylor had been suspended on the basis that there has been a loss of public confidence in him as a member of An Garda Síochána.

He was strongly criticised in the Disclosures Tribunal report, which found that he was part of a campaign to smear the garda whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe.

The Supreme Court Judge, Mr Justice Peter Charleton, found that Supt Taylor lied on a number of occasions including in a High Court affidavit.

Garda Headquarters confirmed this afternoon that a garda officer had been suspended from duty.

The superintendent will now be subject to disciplinary proceedings.

The statement from Garda Headquarters said that as this is an employment matter, An Garda Síochána will not be commenting on the identity of the individual.