ISPCC criticises 'short' child porn sentences

The ISPCC has said Ireland is getting a reputation as a country that does not respect or protect children.

The organisation is blaming prison sentences which it claims are too short, for offences relating to child pornography.

Campaigners say the Government needs to review the legislation in the area, and those investigating the crimes must be allocated more resources to complete their inquiries.

The group, which works to protect children, said its own research shows custodial sentences in the last five years have been rare.

In a recent case, a Dublin man captured with over 1,000 images and videos of children being raped and posing naked received a three-year suspended sentence.

The ISPCC's Caroline O'Sullivan said it is simply not acceptable.

"The simple fact of the matter is that when somebody downloads or views child pornographic images, they are effectively paying somebody, somewhere, to actually abuse a child.

"That is a very grave crime and therefore the sentencing should actually fit that," she said.