Man, 70s, arrested over Scouting Ireland sex abuse allegations

Gardaí have arrested a man in his 70s in relation to sexual offences that are alleged to have occurred over a 30 year period.

The investigation surrounds a number of complaints relating to an individual associated with Scouting Ireland. To date, An Garda Síochána has carried out a lengthy investigation into these matters.

As part of the investigation gardaí from the Protective Services Unit in Cork city, with the assistance of local gardaí, carried out four searches at properties in County Cork and one in County Kerry.

Documentation, electronic devices and computers were seized during the searches.

Gardaí will continue to liaise with the review group and Tusla in relation to these matters, they have also thanked them for their assistance to date.

They said each and every complaint will be investigated with "professionalism and compassion".

Gardaí are also appealing to any victims who have not yet come forward to make a complaint at their local Garda station or via the confidential historical abuse phone line at 1800 555 222.

The man is currently detained at Togeher Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.