The Garda Síochána Inspectorate (GSI) had told the force to bring its child protection practices in line with international standards, including by improving internal working arrangements and enhancing multi-agency collaboration at both strategic and operational levels.

The Policing Authority’s new report finds significant improvements in a number of areas, though further attention is needed on issues including sufficient availability of joint Tusla and Garda specialist victim interviewers.

Dr Elaine Byrne BL, chair of the Policing Authority, said: “The sexual abuse of children is an abomination. The oversight of policing with regard to this horrific crime is a priority for not only the Policing Authority, but the Irish public.

“The original Garda Inspectorate report identified a number of concerns about the investigation of child sexual abuse. Given the seriousness of this crime and its life-long, devastating impact on the lives of children and their families, the Authority is pleased to note that substantial progress has been made in implementing these recommendations, and improving the service offered to these very vulnerable victims.

“The Authority commends the commitment at strategic level within the Garda Síochána towards improving the service provided to child victims at a most difficult and vulnerable point in their lives. The importance of this work cannot be overstated. It is life-saving.”