Gardaí have arrested three men as part of an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse, over a prolonged period, of a number of children and a vulnerable adult in an extended family setting.
The men – aged in their 30s, 40s and 50s – were arrested during a search at a property in Leinster. The operation was the latest phase in what has been an ongoing criminal investigation by the gardaí.
The inquiry has been described by Garda sources as “complex” and “sensitive”. The people who were allegedly the victims of neglect and sexual abuse have been relocated.
Gardaí suspect some of the young members of the extended family network were sexually abused and neglected over a period of years.
One of the men arrested on Monday was being questioned on suspicion of sexual abuse, another on suspicion of neglect and the third in relation to withholding information that may be relevant to the investigation.
“Three males – aged in their 30s, 40s and 50s – have been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation,” the Garda said in reply to queries.
“The three males are being detained under section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984. An Garda Síochána is not making any further comment at this time.”
The legislation the men were being held under allows for them to be questioned for up to 24 hours without charge. However, that 24-hour period can be suspended to allow for breaks for sleeping over night and other reasons.
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