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

Without question, the scale of what has been alleged in Limerick is shocking and may represent a first in this country. It is important to point out that 60% of all reported sex crimes in Ireland involve a child but only 4% of cases notified to gardaí result in convictions. I asked the Taoiseach specifically about the lack of implementation of the 2012 report. We are great at inquiring into the past, but I am struck by the lethargy and lack of proactivity in implementing the key recommendations. For example, a major gap has been identified in Garda powers to compel the lawful owner of a computer or other device to provide a password to facilitate access. Those new powers should be brought in immediately by the House. If we all agree that it is the most heinous of crimes to sexually abuse children, there should be far greater commitment to implementing the recommendations of a serious report of this kind, in particular given the relationship between Tusla and An Garda Síochána which was again found to be less than optimal in the 2012 report. The lack of co-operation and co-ordination is shocking at this stage.

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