The Dáil is hearing statements on child protection this afternoon, after work references were given to a former Sinn Fein press officer who pleaded guilty to child sex offences.

Both the Government and Opposition parties are calling on the Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald to put everything on the table regarding recent controversies surrounding the party. 

In September, former party press officer Michael McMonagle pleaded guilty to 14 charges in September - which include attempted sexual communication with a child.

He was suspended from the party in 2022 when it came to light that he was the target of an investigation nto child sexual offences. Despite this, he received employment references from the party.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he believes the party plays by its own rules.

“Sinn Féin always puts the party first, and I’ve been saying this for quite a long time - so they do need to look at their internal processes and this sort of culture of secrecy around almost everything it does.”

Other incident

Separately, Laois-Offaly TD Brian Stanley resigned from the party on Saturday. A Sinn Fein party member made a complaint to the party about an incident involving Mr Stanley, the nature of which is unknown.

The incident has since been referred to An Garda Síochána.

Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman says clarification on this situation would be helpful.

“I think it would be useful for Sinn Féin just to clarify why they went to the Gardaí now, and didn’t go to the Gardaí in August in terms of their understanding of the seriousness of the allegations - I think it would also be useful for Deputy Stanley to provide clarification as well."

Sinn Féin said no criminal offence was identified in the initial complaint against Mr Stanley and making the reference to Gardaí was done out of an abundance of caution.

Further reporting by Aoife Daly.