Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On some matters I can give details to the House, while on others I cannot do so. I join with Deputy Kenny in saying that this is a very disturbing and worrying matter and the information, in so far as I have it, fits both categories. The House can be assured that the Garda is conducting a painstaking investigation into the serious allegations that have been made. The reports, as outlined by the Deputy, are at least partially true. In so far as I have the facts, at the end of last week, the mother of the boy in question, having seen the abusive, sexually-orientated messages on his mobile telephone, went in to Santry Garda station and handed the telephone over to the Garda. She did the right thing. Following an investigation over the weekend, I can confirm that a serving member of the Garda Síochána has been suspended and is under investigation along with a number of other persons. I cannot confirm reports as to the professions or identities of the other people but I can confirm a number of other people are under investigation. The investigation is at a critical stage and, as one would expect, the Garda will not give any information. It would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment, other than to say the case is being treated very seriously by the Commissioner and senior gardaí.

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