The recent convictions for possession of computer-stored child pornography highlights the risk of paedophiles making contact with children over the Internet, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) warned today.
The comments come after the conviction of TV chef, Tim Allen, for possession of indecent images of children downloaded from the Internet; and a spate of high-profile arrests in Britain on suspicion of similar offences.
Mr Paul Gilligan, chief executive of the ISPCC, said: "There is clear evidence from other countries that those in possession of child pornography represent a real risk to children and that those who actively purchase such material represent a greater risk.
"Many of these people use such material to stimulate themselves to abuse children while others hold and share such material as evidence of their own abusive actions. Viewing or purchasing child pornography supports and reinforces child abuse and undoubtedly contributes to the continued abuse of children.
Mr Gilligan said recent developments should serve as a reminder to parents to closely monitor their children's use of the Internet. "If such numbers of Irish adults are using the Internet to access child pornography they will also utilise the Internet to attempt to access victims," he warned.
He also called on the Garda to launch a major investigation around anyone guilty of possessing child pornography.