As I stated last week, the failure to properly manage cases involving youth crime is very concerning. I welcome the fact that the Garda Commissioner has acted to tackle these problems urgently and take all appropriate action.
As the Commissioner outlined in his engagement with the Policing Authority last week, a number of steps have already been taken within An Garda Síochána and actions are in train to prevent a recurrence of these failures. The Policing Authority will continue to play an active role in monitoring the situation.
I am aware that members of the Policing Authority asked the Commissioner if similar failures might apply in relation to adult crime cases. I understand that this issue will form part of further examination by the Policing Authority and officials in my Department have already been in contact with the Authority in that regard.