Tag Archives: child abuse

THERE was some hysteria in Shannon last week, after posts appeared on Facebook about men trying to lure children into a white van. However, following an investigation, gardaí say there was no risk of child abuse, while they have urged people to come to them when they have concerns. Sergeant Seamus Mulligan said that whenever there is suspicious activity, people need to contact gardaí, rather than getting onto social media. “They might want to vent on social media but they should also contact the gardaí.” He said that the van that was the subject of the social media posts in Shannon was subsequently met by gardaí in Limerick, who became satisfied that there had been no risk to children. The van was taken in, due to concerns about road traffic offences, but it is not expected that the matter will come before the courts. Earlier this year, Sergeant Mulligan addressed a meeting of Shannon Municipal District councillors, at which he …

A new Bill, which provides for reform of our laws, including stronger sanctions, aimed at protecting children from sexual exploitation; child abuse material and online grooming, has been introduced by Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald. The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015, which has been approved by Government, provides for a more effective response to sexual offending within our criminal justice system and responds to new and emerging threats such as predatory activity which target children via the internet and social media.” Minister Fitzgerald noted the Bill will bring Irish law into line with a number of international instruments, including an EU Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child abuse material (child pornography). “It is a further step toward the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and abuse,” she said. Continuing, Minister Fitzgerald said, “The Bill will also implement the recommendations of two …