Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
1111. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the number of staff nationally involved in investigating material on mobile telephones, computers and so on, relating to child sexual offences; and the qualifications needed for such work. [30730/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is made in light of identified operational demands. This includes deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions and units. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau is the national unit responsible for digital forensics in An Garda Síochána, which includes the forensic examination of computer media seized or surrendered in criminal and disciplinary investigations, including those involving child exploitation offences. I am advised by the Garda authorities that forensic examiners undergo extensive training in cyber forensics including methodology, examination tool sets and evidential data interpretation in line with international best practices.
I am informed that all Garda Síochána Districts have the capability to forensically examine mobile phones and associated media seized or surrendered during the course of criminal investigations. I am advised that mobile device examiners within An Garda Síochána undergo dedicated training and are provided with the necessary equipment and tool sets to complete this function. Mobile device examiners are supported in their role by experts attached to Garda ICT and for more complex cases, the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau.
I am also informed that the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau has fifty-one Garda personnel attached to its National Bureau in Harcourt Square and four satellite hubs in Cork, Galway, Mullingar and Wexford, engaged in cybercrime forensics, investigations and support roles.
