"In responding to the very serious allegations about the handling of specific sexual abuse allegations in Waterford, the government decided on 30 May 2017 to establish a Commission of Investigation. However, in deciding on the timing of such a Commission, the government was obliged to take into account legal advice received from the Attorney General’s Office. The legal issues that prevented the Commission from being established at this time related to additional complaints of sexual abuse received by An Garda Síochána. With an obligation on the Commission to disclose relevant information in its possession to a person giving evidence to the Commission, this might compromise evidence that such persons might give in criminal proceedings, thus jeopardising the rights of the victims to having their complaints investigated and prosecuted and any potential accused to a fair trial. It would be entirely inappropriate for this government to take any action which risks seriously compromising those investigations and/or criminal proceedings. Criminal investigations are ongoing in respect of a number of such cases and files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to several cases and directions are awaited. Any victims coming forward with allegations of sexual abuse are entitled to have their claims fully investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted. An Garda Síochána have given assurances that they will ensure that any victims who have reported allegations are contacted by a Garda liaison officer to ensure they are kept informed of any developments.