Irish dancing judges are being accused of fixing the results of competitions.
The allegations have been made within the CLRG (An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha) body, the world's oldest and biggest Irish dancing organisation.
The body is now investigating the accusations.
Screenshots have come to light alleging that dance teachers were seeking to fix competitions, with one teacher allegedly offering sexual favours for higher scores.
A dossier of message screengrabs came to light in July, which shows conversations between Irish dancing teachers messaging each other to "look after each other's students" in dancing competitions.
A former judge has been appointed by the body to oversee an investigation into the allegations.
A statement on the CLRG website said, "In July 2022, an Coiste Faire (CLRG Ethics Committee) received allegations, with supporting
documentation, of several grievous breaches of our Code of Conduct.
Such unethical behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated by this organisation.
"Due to the potential extent of such allegations - and to ensure fairness, transparency and thoroughness - the services of an independent former judge of the Court of Appeal have been engaged to oversee and supervise the immediate investigation into these matters.
"They will have full and open access to the resources and records of CLRG.
The process will no doubt be difficult and arduous, but this grossly unethical behaviour must be eliminated from our competitions, dance schools and governing organisations.
"An Coimisiún regards such breaches to be Gross Misconduct. Any registered member found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to due and full process under our published Disciplinary Procedures as can be found here.
"This process has already started and the principles of natural justice apply.
"To ensure the integrity of the process and until it is complete, no further comments will be made. "
