IRELAND’S first amalgamated child, adolescent and adult 24-hour sexual assault service is now up and running in Galway.

FORTY-SIX children alleging sexual abuse have been examined this year by forensic specialists providing a voluntary out-of-hours services for the mid-western region alone.

CHILDREN sexually abused up to the age of 14 are, in many cases, awaiting several days to be forensically examined.

IT is shocking to think the state provides no dedicated specialist services to examine, interview and support young children who have been sexually abused or assaulted.