Three-year backlog for gardaí to examine child abuse images on seized devices

As well placing cases in jeopardy, the delay also "creates a risk that other children will experience preventable abuse", said the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary of the GNCCB said they were dealing with more cases and more devices.

There is a three-year Garda backlog to examine digital devices seized in child abuse imagery investigations and other serious crimes.

The Policing Authority said gardaí set targets in 2019 to cut waiting times to under 12 months.