Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Newspapers have been reporting on multiple arrests in recent days in the course of a child abuse investigation in the Limerick-Tipperary area of Munster. Reports indicate that up to 20 children have been identified as victims of alleged sexual abuse. Concern has also arisen on the urgency of the response of State agencies when allegations first came to light. This could, in itself, lead to an inquiry as to whether every possible measure was taken to ensure the safety of the children immediately at risk when it became known that they were at risk. Apparently, such concerns have been expressed formally by a State employee who works in the welfare sector. There is an enormous level of concern locally about this as well as enormous public concern more generally.

I will not comment on the individual case any further. I raise it in the context of the broader issue of how well-equipped and organised State agencies are to deal with child sexual abuse and exploitation. The Garda Inspectorate report, which was published last week and which I raised on the Order of Business, gives rise to significant concerns as to the general capacity of the State to investigate child sexual abuse cases comprehensively and appropriately. The report benchmarks progress on the issue against an earlier Garda Inspectorate report of 2012 and indicates that only 45% of the recommendations of that earlier report are considered to have been implemented. Overall, the inspectorate is concerned at the limited progress in the implementation of some of the recommendations and at the time taken to progress others, including the introduction of a victims' helpline in 2017, which was approximately five years after the publication of the 2012 report. I just give the Taoiseach a sample.

The lack of implementation is disappointing and, in the opinion of the inspectorate, has had a negative impact on the delivery of services to victims. Child advocacy centres have not been established, notwithstanding that this was a very important recommendation of the 2012 report. Continuing cause for concern is the fact that inexperienced and untrained gardaí are still involved at all stages of child sexual abuse investigations, from taking initial accounts from victims and obtaining victims' and witnesses' statements to dealing with suspects.

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