Gardaí issue appeal over Presbyterian Church in Ireland abuse

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

An Garda Síochána has launched an appeal on “abuse relating to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland” (PCI).

It comes months after the PSNI launched a formal investigation into safeguarding concerns relating to the PCI in November.

An Garda Síochána said it has been liaising with the PSNI on the matter since late last year.

Gardaí said any resident in the Republic of Ireland who “believes they were a victim of a criminal act relating” to the PCI should contact either their local garda station or the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.

It said contacts will be “handled with sensitivity and empathy”.

A spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána will endeavour to effectively deal with all contacts, however there may be limitations as to the action that could be taken in some cases due to matters such as the unavailability of evidence over time or suspects and/or witnesses being deceased.”

In February, the PSNI said it had received more than 100 referrals as part of its investigation.

An Garda Síochána said it has yet to receive any direct complaints relating to residents in the Republic of Ireland.