Gardaí search premises in child porn investigation

Gardaí have searched two premises and identified two suspects as part of an investigation into a suspected global child pornographic ring.

The searches follow controversy earlier this month when it emerged the Garda had overlooked information sent to it by Austrian authorities who had led the Interpol investigation into the child porn ring involving more than 2,300 computers in 77 countries.

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell conceded at the time that Garda delays in acting on the Interpol information about Irish involvement may have resulted in the loss of vital evidence here.

When the error emerged, specific information on the two computers identified was requested from the Austrian authorities.

A Garda spokeswoman said today that as part of "Operation Flo" two premises were searched and "some evidence recovered". Two suspects had also been identified.

"The investigation is ongoing and when completed a file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further directions," she added.

"As the investigation is sensitive no further details will be disclosed or discussed".

Separately, a chief superintendent has been appointed to examine the procedures for dealing with the handling of such inquiries.