Gardaí pilot regional computer specialist units in Cork and Wexford

Gardaí are piloting regional computer specialist units in Cork and Wexford in a bid to cut lengthy waiting times for the examination of computers linked to crime, including child abuse.

The development comes as the O’Higgins report renewed concerns about the operation of the Garda Computer Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU) in Dublin. The report had heard evidence of “considerable delays” in having material examined by the CCIU “due to shortage of staff”.

In his recommendations, Mr Justice Kevin O’Higgins said: “These delays have to be considered in deciding whether it is worthwhile or appropriate to send material to the unit for forensic examination in any individual case.”

He said the delays existed despite the “best efforts” of its staff. “The commission considers that the computer crime unit should be afforded adequate resources and personnel to carry out its functions in an efficient and timely manner,” it said.

The Garda Inspectorate’s Crime Investigation report in October 2014 said despite an increase in staff, the unit has a “four-year backlog”.

In its Changing Policing in Ireland report in November 2015, the inspectorate said delays at the unit had resulted in a “serious deficiency” in its capacity, resulting in long delays in investigations and the dismissal of cases at court. It recommended the deployment of resources at regional level.

Tanya Ward of Children’s Rights Alliance said they support the O’Higgins’ recommendation. She said child pornography is a serious crime that results in the “exploitation and abuse” of children.

She backed the recommendation for more investment in the CCIU and called on the Government to reintroduce the Sexual Offences Bill, which had new offences in relation to child pornography.

A Garda spokesman said additional resources and a change in process at CCIU have led “to a reduction in the backlog of cases”.

He said: “To reduce it even more, further resources are to be added to CCIU and it is proposed to establish regional CCIU units to provide computer forensic services locally.”

He said the approach is currently being piloted in Cork and Wexford.