Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her statement and her efforts to address this. As I stated, what will be of profound concern to the public are reports that there is a possibility a person responsible for level 5 child pornography, which is the most heinous category, would not face the full rigours of the law due to an inordinate delay over a number of years in taking the case to prosecution. If there is a backlog of 1,000 cases my concern and that of the public is that there are more persons, who should face the full rigours of the law, who may get off through an alleged loophole. Will the Minister seek a summary of the cases and give assurance today with regard to timeframes?

If there is a backlog, as reported, of 1,000 cases how quickly can we be assured it will be dealt with? When will the new technology be put in place? With regard to modern anti-encryption software, we know the technology deployed by the very important unit of An Garda Síochána is not up to spec in dealing with the issue. It is antiquated. When will the new equipment be in place? How many new personnel resources will be required? Will there be more people who may, if they go to court, get off because of inordinate time delays? What assurances can the Minister gave? Is she willing to give an update to the Houses in a few weeks regarding progress in this area?

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