Gardai have failed to implement over half the recommendations made 5 years ago for dealing with child sex abuse.
A new review has found serious failings including the use of inexperienced Gardai and an insufficient online garda presence.
The Garda Inspectorate has made 24 additional recommendations to reduce the risk of abuse and improve the outcomes for victims.
Chief Inspector Mark Toland said "you can't have inexperienced Gardai investigating child sex abuse".
"We are very disappointed to have gone back and found that sometimes Gardai not long out of Templemore are being asked to investigate the rape of a child. That's not acceptable", he admitted.
In a statement this evening from An Garda Síochána, the force said it is "committed to tackling the issue of child sexual abuse in a comprehensive and effective manner."
"An Garda Síochána will work closely with the Inspectorate and all other stakeholders to improve our processes, systems and practices as quickly as possible."
