Shock in Dáil at paedophile ring arrests

THE alleged sexual abuse of up to 20 children is ‘shocking, abhorrent and truly disgusting’, the Taoiseach told the Dáil.

Crimes of a sexual nature are among the most heinous and those against children are the ‘worst crimes imaginable’, he said.

He was responding to Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin who said there was enormous concern locally about the alleged crimes. The scale was shocking, Mr Martin said. ‘It is important to point out that 60% of all reported sex crimes in Ireland involve a child, but only 4% of cases notified to gardaí result in convictions.’

Mr Varadkar said he was aware of the arrests of 11 people on Monday on foot of an intelligence-led investigation by gardaí, aided by Tusla, into alleged sexual exploitation of children.

He said he could not comment further as the investigation is ongoing.