Logan: Gardaí should have child protection service

Child victims of sex abuse must be jointly interviewed by HSE and Garda staff in a timely way and more interagency co-operation is needed in the area of child protection, Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan said.

The child protection watchdog said while there had been improvements in this area, she would still like to see a dedicated child protection service within An Garda Síochána.

Gardaí told the Ombudsman they had made it a priority to have interviewers available when required to facilitate timely interviewing of victims and delays in this regard are not allowed.