Over 2,000 suspected child abuse cases in 2010

THERE were more than 2,000 formal referrals between gardaí and the HSE in relation to child sex abuse during 2010, figures have revealed.

Figures obtained by the Irish Examiner reveal the extent of suspected child sex abuse across the state, but very few cases get as far as the courts, and even fewer are successfully prosecuted.

The Irish Examiner requested how many formal contacts there had been between the HSE and gardaí in relation to child sex abuse over the past number of years. Under child protection rules, the HSE must sent a notification form to local gardaí in the event of suspected child abuse.