Four young men who are alleged to have been sexually abused in the Galway area have been referred by gardai to the Western Health Board for professional help.
The referrals were made this week following a Garda investigation into allegations of abuse in the Salthill area of the city. Supt Jim Sugrue, of Salthill, who is heading the team, said that two men had already been arrested, and subsequently released, under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
A third man who was believed to be "peripherally involved" was under investigation, he said. A file has been prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and charges may be brought shortly.
Supt Sugrue said that the situation came to light following reports over a month ago that young men had been stalked in the Knocknacarra area of the city. Several youths in their late teens had made statements, alleging abuse dating back as long as six years. Some of these youths were very traumatised and required counselling, he said.
He also confirmed that a house in the Galway city-centre area had been raided by gardai and that a pornographic video had been seized.
Public toilets in Eyre Square and Blackrock were now "no-go areas", and Galway Corporation had been informed of this.
Supt Sugrue denied that a businessman and civil servant had been under investigation, but he confirmed that one of the suspects had sporting links.
The full rigour of the law would apply in the Garda investigation into alleged sexual abuse of underage men in Galway city, the Taoiseach said yesterday. Mr Ahern told the Dail that the Child Pornography Bill had been cleared by the Cabinet on Tuesday and he understood that arrangements had been made for its publication today.
The Minister of State for Health, Mr Frank Fahey, said that he was "shocked and saddened" at the reports. Gardai were working with the Western Health Board to offer help and support, he said.
A spokesman for the health board said it was very concerned at the disclosure. It had been alerted by gardai last Monday. The allegations were "of a serious nature, and are more specifically related to sexual abuse".
The health board has set up a counselling service and a free phone helpline, for both parents and children, and it is urging anyone who has any information to contact gardai at Salthill (091521333).
The board's child-care manager, who is liaising with gardai, can be contacted at the Community Care Offices, Newcastle Road, Galway (091-523122).
The Western Health Board's helpline (1-800-245-600) will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, and for as long as necessary.
