Garda child porn forensics unit to get extra staff

The Garda’s Computer Crime Investigation unit has been beefed up with an additional eight forensic examiners in a bid to tackle a significant backlog in processing online child abuse cases.

Recent criticisms in the courts highlighted the insufficient technology and manpower needed to process the equipment seized in such cases — resulting in delays of up to three years. But now eight new forensic examiners are being fast-tracked through training and the purchase of “high-powered” computers has been speeded up to address the backlog.

According to Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, Acting Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan has initiated a comprehensive review and “strategic realignment” of Garda capacity to deal with crimes of that nature.