Gardaí release without charge 12 people quizzed over suspected paedophile ring

TWELVE people questioned in connection with a major Garda investigation into a suspected paedophile ring operating in the Munster region have been released without charge.

Garda sources confirmed that files would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions following the detentions of all 12, which included male and female suspects.

The 12 people were arrested as part of a long-running investigation into a suspected paedophile ring in the area.

A Garda spokesman had said: “Gardaí have arrested a number of people in relation to an ongoing investigation. They are currently detained in Garda stations in the Southern and Western Regions of An Garda Síochána.”

Strict reporting restrictions have been ordered by a judge to protect the identities of the alleged victims.

The suspects in the probe are all closely linked to each other but are spread across three counties.

A team of gardaí, including specialist interviewers, are conducting what has been described as a “massive” investigation, which is being led by a superintendent.

The case has attracted much attention, with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin telling the Dáil earlier this year that what was alleged was “shocking and may represent a first in this country”.

A separate review, focusing on the handling of the case by Garda and Tusla authorities, has yet to get under way.