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A well known former scout member has been arrested by gardai investigating child sexual abuse.

The man, who is understood to be a business man in Cork, was detained by detectives at Togher Garda Station on Monday.

The suspect is in his 70s is well known on a national basis within Scouting Ireland - the allegations are understood to relate to historic incidents.

A source said: "There have been multiple allegations against this man and i part of a broader probe into the activities of alleged pedophiles in Scouting Ireland.

"It is anticipated that a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine the course of the investigation.

"Gardai have been working on this for several months and have spoken to a number of people - the allegations must now be put to the man."

(Image: Google Maps)

A Garda spokeswoman confirmed the arrest and said that the investigation was on going.

She said: "A male (70s) was arrested this morning Monday the 26th of November 2018 at 8am and is being detained at Togher Garda Station, Co. Cork in relation to sexual offences. Enquires are on going."

Scouting Ireland were asked for a statement however they did not respond to emails and phone calls.

It comes after a damning report into Scouting Ireland with allegations of 70 twisted abusers preying on 100 children from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Minister for Children Catherine Zappone declared that the efforts to uncover the scandal "hindered and blocked.”

(Image: Gareth Chaney Collins)

In an devastating meeting of the Oireachtas committee on Children and Youth Affairs the Minister revealed details of the terrible cases that form part of a report she has commissioned after allegations emerged earlier this year.

The minister told TDs and senators that the full review of historical cases of allegations of abuse in Scouting Ireland has found evidence of “71 alleged abusers and 108 victims between the 1960s and 1980s.”

She added that “work is ongoing,” which means that it cannot be ruled out that there may be more cases to come.

Ms Zappone did stress that none of the alleged abusers are still working with Scouting Ireland and that reports have been made to Tusla and the gardaí in respect of the alleged abusers still alive.