John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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429. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe in which An Garda Síochána is currently forensically examining computer equipment following removal; the length of time it is taking for the risk assessments relating to child pornography cases to be processed; if he or his Department have looked into the possibility of allocating additional staff to speed up the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12060/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Computer Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU), which is part of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, is the national central reference point for high-tech crime and computer forensics. The role of the CCIU is to investigate or assist with the investigation of complex or serious criminal misuse of information and communications technology, including the forensic retrieval and examination of digital evidence which may be relevant to investigations in relation to the possession, distribution and production of child pornography.

The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the allocation of Garda resources and that the detailed management of all aspects of criminal investigations, including the timelines with respect to gathering relevant evidence, is a matter for the Garda authorities. I am, however, informed that the CCIU prioritise all investigations where child welfare issues are identified.