GARDA files are being trawled by HSE officials who are cross-referencing names of accused child abusers held by each diocese with all names held by An Garda Síochána. Late last year the HSE wrote to all bishops requesting additional, detailed information as part of a HSE audit.
This included names of complainants, the persons against whom the complaint was made, and information in regard to reporting to the health boards and the Gardaí.
Although the HSE stated it wanted the information by January 8 at the latest, the HSE only received the last of the names of complainants and accused at the end of February.
It is now in the process of cross-referencing all names with files held by the Gardaí.
This follows the establishment of a new sexual crime management unit within the Garda.
The new unit has been set up following the publication of the Murphy and Ryan reports and will catalogue and maintain a record of all complaints of clerical sexual abuse.
It will also interact with the Church and other agencies, such as sporting bodies, and provide a contact point for the reporting of complaints of sexual abuse to Gardaí.
With firm commitments from the Government to bring robust measures forward on child protection issues by the end of June, the HSE will have recruited 50 of 200 promised social workers.
According to Minister for Children Barry Andrews, it is also intended that a high level interdepartmental Children First group will be established to be chaired and serviced by his office.
Subject to finalisation, the group is to have representatives from key departments, namely, Education and Skills, Justice and Law Reform, Tourism, Culture and Sport and Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The group will be tasked with overall oversight of national implementation of the guidelines across the various sectors and any policy issues arising, and it will report to the minister.