Child Abuse

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Ceisteanna (505)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

505. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of child sexual abuse referrals received by An Garda Síochána from Tusla in each of the years 2016 to 2019; the number investigated; the number deemed to be unfounded and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6983/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

Under Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 the Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. In addition, the investigation of suspected crimes is an operational matter within the responsibility of the Commissioner and not for me as Minister.

The information requested is currently being compiled and I will write to the Deputy directly when it is available.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 50

At the outset, I would like to apologise for the delay in responding to you in relation to Parliamentary Questions (No. 505 of 20 May 2020) where you sought a response to the following:

“…..the number of child sexual abuse referrals received by An Garda Síochána from Tusla in each of the years 2016 to 2019; the number investigated; the number deemed to be unfounded; the number of prosecutions made….”

You will recall that my predecessor as Minister, Charlie Flanagan T.D., had sought the information from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again when the information was to hand.

The following table, provided by the Garda authorities, shows the number of formal notifications from Tusla (Child and Family Agency) for incidents of suspected sexual abuse for the period 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2019 inclusive.

Formal Notification from Tusla – Suspected Sexual Abuse

Year Reported

2016

2017

2018

2019

Count of Incidents

522

532

741

912

*figures as of 15th May 2020

I hope that this information is of assistance.