The planned commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) is being deferred, the Justice Minister has confirmed.
An 'alternative' event will be organised for later this year.
It follows strong opposition to the planned event on 17th January.
A number of opposition parties and commentators had raised their objections to the proposed commemoration for the RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP).
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin today suggested the Government had created an "unnecessary controversy", while Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald called for the commemoration to be cancelled.
Many of those objecting pointed to the RIC's involvement with the 'Black and Tans' and the Auxiliaries.
This evening, Minister Charlie Flanagan says he now does not believe the event can take place "in an atmosphere that meets the goals and guiding principles of the overall commemorative programme".
He said: "I am announcing its deferral.
"I know that, regrettably, this decision will be a cause of hurt and upset to many people.
"I commit to proceeding with an alternative commemoration in the months ahead."
He added: "As a next step, I will consult further with the expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemoration, with the all-party consultative group on commemoration and with other stakeholders, with a view to organising an event that is inclusive and fully respectful of all the traditions and memories on this island."
Minister Flanagan acknowledged that members of the RIC had "committed atrocities" and that "the horrific record of the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries is well known".
However, he added: "But there were thousands of other officers who behaved with dignity and honour in serving their communities.
"We should not seek to airbrush these people from our history."
The RIC, which had a strength of up to 10,500, was in place in Ireland until 1922 when the Irish Free State was established.
