Independent TD, Carol Nolan, has described the findings of the recent report on the sexual exploitation of children by “predatory gangs” in Ireland as “terrifying, deeply disturbing and sickening.”
She said that TUSLA’s procedures against the sexual exploitation of children had failed miserably.
“It has failed at a catastrophic level for these children who are being groomed and exploited by gangs of predatory men,.” she told the Dáil today in a passionate address on the issue.
The Laois Offaly deputy asked if the government would commit to providing “every resource necessary” to further the research – and if it would “stand ready to demand accountability from TUSLA or any other agency that has failed these children in the worst possible way.”
In response, Minister Charlie McConalogue said that the finding were ‘deeply troubling’. He said that Department of Children were working closely with senior management of TUSLA on the matter.
“The study offers a very alarming account of the sexual exploitation of children by potentially organised groups in our society,” he said. “And therefore, a close examination into the study’s findings will also take place by TUSLA and an Garda Síochana.”