Byrne to appear before Oireachtas justice committee

Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne is due to appear before the Oireachtas justice committee today to explain the preliminary crime statistics for the first three months of this year.

The statistics show an overall reduction in "headline" crimes, but a doubling of sexual offences involving underage persons.

The Oireachtas committee is expected to ask Mr Byrne about the measures being taken to ensure that sexual crimes of this nature are being detected.

The age limit for recruits to the gardai and the number of women in the force will also be discussed.