Former Scouts leader is arrested in abuse probe man in his 7os quizzed on historic claims
A FORMER senior member of the Scouts has been arrested in connection with child sexual abuse.
The suspect, thought to be a businessman in Cork, was detained by detectives from Togher Garda station yesterday.
Aged in his 70s and well known within Scouting Ireland, the claims are understood to relate to historic incidents.
A source said: “There have been multiple allegations against this man as part of a broader probe into the activities of alleged paedophiles in scouting. It is anticipated a file will be prepared for the DPP.
“Gardai have been working on this for several months and have spoken to a number of people.
“The allegations must now be put to the man.”
A Garda spokeswoman said: “A male was arrested at 8am and is being detained at Togher Garda station, Co Cork, in relation to sexual offences. Enquires are ongoing.”
Scouting Ireland was asked for a statement but did not respond to emails and phone calls. It comes after a damning report into the organisation which revealed alegations that 70 twisted abusers preyed on 100 children.
It’s claimed the assaults started in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s.
Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone declared efforts to uncover the scandal were “hindered and blocked”.
In a devastating meeting of the Oireachtas committee on Children and Youth Affairs, she revealed details of Manchester United floral tribute the sickening cases form part of a report she has commissioned after the allegations emerged earlier this year.
Ms Zappone told TDS and senators of the full review of historical cases of allegations.
She told them “work is ongoing,” which means it cannot be ruled out that more cases could come to light.
Ms Zappone did stress that none of the alleged abusers are still involved with Scouting Ireland.
Reports have been made to Child and Family Agency Tusla and the gardai in respect of the alleged abusers still alive.