Mary Lou McDonald Says Government Parties Must Address Own Record On Child Protection

Tuesday, 8 October 2024 16:26

By Martin Osborne

It comes after revelations that two former Sinn Féin staff members gave a work reference to a man who has since pleaded guilty to child sex offences in Northern Ireland.

Calls have been made for a special Dáil sitting to discuss child protection.

It comes after revelations that two former Sinn Féin staff members gave a work reference to a man who has since pleaded guilty to child sex offences in Northern Ireland.

Speaking under parliamentary privilege in the Dáil, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald hit out at the Government parties calling for statements from her on the issue:

"On the course of our statements the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the parties of government will have to also make clear what sanctions they have adopted in cases where very senior members of your parties have written character references for convicted rapists and child abusers,” Ms McDonald said.

She added: “I will be interested to hear what action you took, and I'm sure that you will avail of that opportunity."

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