Vol. 425 No. 7
184 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons under 18 who were prosecuted for sexual abuse of minors in each of the years from 1988 to 1992; if it is Garda policy not to prosecute persons under 18 accused of sexual offences against minors; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of recorded cases of sexual abuse of minors by persons under 18 in the years 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991 were 3, 2, 1 and 1 respectively. Figures for 1992 are not yet available.
The number of cases in which prosecutions were initiated is not readily available. I have however asked the Garda authorities to let me have this information as soon as possible and I will communicate it to the Deputy when I receive it.
I should mention that all such cases are fully investigated by the Garda and that it is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide whether a prosecution should be initiated in any particular case. The Director of Public Prosecutions is, of course, under statute independent in the performance of his functions.
