Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 22 August 2006 the Interpol office at Garda headquarters received information from the Austrian authorities that they were processing reports of child pornography on the Internet and that Ireland was one of 72 countries included in the notification by the Austrian authorities.

No action was taken at the time by the Garda authorities on foot of the notification and they have expressed regret for this. I share that regret. I understand the Garda authorities have been in contact with the Austrian authorities on the matter and have taken further action, but it would be inappropriate for me to disclose the nature of this further investigation and it would be counter productive to do so.

A Garda chief superintendent has been appointed to carry out a fact finding investigation into the full circumstances of the failure to react to the Interpol communication and the subsequent Garda statement to the effect that such a document had not been received. That investigation will look at measures to ensure the very high volume of information received from international sources is handled more effectively. I do not propose to make any further comment before completion of the ongoing Garda investigation, which will be completed as quickly as possible.

I have been assured by the Garda Síochána of its determination to avoid a recurrence of this incident and to pursue relentlessly evidence of involvement in child pornography. For my part, I will continue to pursue measures, particularly in terms of international co-operation, to combat this evil trade.

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