The Garda Commissioner has apologised to thousands of victims of crime, after major failures were identified with the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.

Nearly 3,500 children got away with just under 8,000 incidents of criminal behaviour as the cases weren't dealt with appropriately even though gardaí had identified suspects.

The incidents include public order, theft, and traffic offences, but also 55 serious crimes such as cases of rape, sexual offences and child neglect.

The details emerged following a major review of the Youth Diversion Programme.

Gardaí say the failures, involving a quarter of the force, arose due to a lack of training and governance.

Letters apologising to victims are being sent out and a special helpline has been set up for anyone affected.

The helpline number is 1800 589 589.

Appearing before the Policing Authority, Commissioner Drew Harris said: "I want to apologise to the more than 3000 individual and organisational victims that we have let down.

"They expected us, An Garda Síochana, to pursue the crimes committed against them, to fulfill to the fullest extent possible our responsibilities in terms of investigation.

"In their cases, we did not do this - and I say again, I profoundly apologise."