Seven people have been questioned by gardai in Waterford in connection with allegations of sexual activity involving two young girls, writes Chris Dooley.
The girls, aged 13 and 14, are in the care of the South Eastern Health Board. The seven have been questioned in recent weeks over alleged breaches of Section 7 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998.
Supt Michael McGarry of Waterford said a Garda team was working full-time on the investigation and was preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Five of those questioned to date are men and two are women. Some, but not all, are from the Waterford area.
It is understood not all seven are suspects in the case and some were simply questioned about their knowledge of the girls' claims. The allegations concern "inappropriate sexual activity" with the girls, who are from Waterford, Supt McGarry said.