Vol. 509 No. 1
308 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases brought under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998; his views on the effectiveness of this Act in combating organised international child sex rings; the plans, if any, he has to augment this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19867/99]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a number of criminal investigations are being conducted by the gardaí into alleged breaches of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998. I understand that while investigation files are currently being prepared by the Garda for the directions of the law officers, no cases have yet reached the courts.
I am also informed that there have been a number of seizures of child pornography by Garda. I am assured by the Garda authorities that the Act has proved to be effective legislation in combating child exploitation and child pornography.
