An inquiry into allegations of bullying and intimidation of Garda whistleblowers is expected to take up to six weeks.

Two senior officers claim they were directly involved in the smearing of a whistleblower.

The Garda Commissioner has welcomed the appointment of former High Court judge Justice Iarlaith O’Neill to carry out the review.

Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan said the force would cooperate fully with it and anyone who brings forward concerns or issues would be taken seriously.