Your local TDs have their say on the Maurice McCabe case
This week we asked your local TDs in Dublin South West and Dublin Mid-West what they believe needs to happen next in relation to the Maurice McCabe case.
Q: What needs to happen next in relation to the Maurice McCabe case?
Colm Brophy, TD, (Fine Gael, Dublin South West)
The next step is very clear, a full tribunal as a public enquiry needs to be established which will enable an investigation into all the allegations and will result in the McCabe family and the others caught up in this investigation to have the opportunity to have their names vindicated and a full report to be supplied to the Dáil and the people of Ireland.
Eoin Ó Broin, TD (SF, Dublin Mid-West)
Sgt McCabe asked six specific questions of government regarding his case. These should be answered immediately. Discrepancies still remain between the accounts of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Children and the FF Justice spokesperson.
Somebody is not telling the truth. The government’s failure to provide clarity is yet another reason why they are not fit to govern. That is why Sinn Féin has tabled a motion of no confidence.”
John Curran, TD (Fianna Fáil, Dublin Mid-West)
The events which have unfolded regarding Sergeant Maurice McCabe over recent days are extremely serious. It is essential that a full public inquiry is immediately established and that those appointed are given the scope to carry out a thorough investigation.
Establishing the full truth relating to this controversy remains a key priority of the Fianna Fáil party.
Gino Kenny TD (PBP, Dublin Mid-West)
It is now clear beyond any doubt that the State’s treatment of garda whistleblower Sgt. Maurice McCabe has been utterly shocking and disgraceful.
The central claim by TUSLA, that the horrible and false accusation of serious sexual abuse levelled at Sgt. McCabe, remained active on his file due to ‘clerical error’, simply defies belief. If it were true, which we repeat is not credible, it would testify to a level of monumental state incompetence that would be a threat to us all and completely unacceptable.
The whole appalling story which has now run for years discredits the State agencies and the Government as a whole.
It testifies to a general culture of turning a blind eye, covering up, sweeping things under the carpet and institutional mutual self -protection which cannot be tolerated any longer. Sgt McCabe and other whistleblowers must be defended.
John Lahart, TD (Fianna Fáil, Dublin South West)
What all sides need to do is to re-focus on what the important issues are here- serious allegations of a smear campaign against Maurice McCabe and his family and possibly others.
The Government need to consult all involved to ensure the terms of reference are sufficiently broad and the tribunal given the time to complete its work.
Sean Crowe TD (SF, Dublin South-West)
I believe what has happened to Sergeant McCabe and his family is utterly despicable. It has also been handled disgracefully by this Government.
It has clearly exposed how chaotic and incompetent this Government is. I have no confidence that this Government will deliver a truth mechanism or justice for Sergeant McCabe. They should resign and we need a new election.
Paul Murphy TD (AAA-PBP, Dublin South West)
The Garda Commissioner has to step aside immediately. If she remains in place, she would be able to obstruct the Tribunal investigating the black propaganda which allegedly came from her.
Maurice McCabe needs answers to the questions he has asked of government agencies. The Taoiseach and his government has lost all credibility – they should go.
Katherine Zappone Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (Ind, Dublin South West)
People in Tallaght are understandably watching the political fall-out of recent days, but what is unfolding at Leinster House should not be the main focus.
We must find out how the McCabes were subjected to years of suffering and prevent it ever happening again.
The Independent Statutory investigation I ordered at Tusla is one step to ensure that.
