'The probe comes after a six-month investigation by this newspaper found that An Garda Síochána spent nearly €62,000 on TV fees over a two-year period' (stock photo)

A major probe is under way to establish if gardaí spent taxpayers' money on buying TV packages, including sports and horse racing packages.

The Irish Independent has learned that senior managers in An Garda Síochána are conducting an internal investigation into payments made to TV providers.

The probe comes after a six-month investigation by this newspaper found that An Garda Síochána spent nearly €62,000 on TV fees over a two-year period. And it is suspected gardaí used taxpayers' money to buy TV and sports packages.

Earlier this year the Irish Independent requested documents from An Garda Síochána that showed the details of payments made to TV companies in 2015 and 2014. The was granged and revealed that €31,574 was paid in 2014, and €29,749 was paid in 2015. All payments were made to Sky Business, UPC Communications Ireland and Virgin Media Ireland.

Although the gardaí revealed the total amount paid, a spokesman said they would not disclose how much money was paid to Sky or horse racing channels as the release of this information would prejudice the ongoing investigation.

Irish Independent