A file is to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions on a garda investigation in West Cork into the production of several hundred child pornographic images.
A 24-year-old man suspected of producing the images was released without charge late last night after he was questioned throughout the day. He is suspected of distributing the images on the internet.
The investigation has been ongoing for several months and involves detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation based at Harcourt Square in Dublin and local gardaí at stations throughout Munster.
Gardaí believe they may have identified at least one victim, a boy, and there may be others. It is understood the investigation began following a complaint to the gardaí about the alleged abuse of the boy.
Gardaí also suspect that hundreds of child pornography images produced by the man may have been distributed to others on the internet. A computer and other equipment have been seized as part of the investigation. The computer's hard drive will be examined in an operation that is expected to take a number of weeks.
Under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act it is an offence to produce, distribute or possess images of child pornography. The offences carry jail sentences of up to 14 years on conviction in the circuit court.
