Ciarán Cannon TD, who is standing down at the next election, asked on a point of order for time to be urgently set aside “for Deputy McDonald to make a statement on the issue of child abuse committed by a member of Sinn Féin and the furnishing of character references for that person by members of Deputy McDonald’s team”.
He was referring to a case in Belfast where former Belfast-based Sinn Féin press officer Michael McMonagle is awaiting sentencing, having recently worked for a British heart charity on foot of references supplied by two other Sinn Féin press officers.
The officers have now resigned their positions and membership of the party, after a disciplinary inquiry was opened by Sinn Féin.
Speaking separately today, the Taoiseach said “child abuse is something that sickens everybody to the pit of their stomach,” answering a question from Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik.
Mr Cannon, before being ruled out of order by Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghail, said: “It’s crucial that these questions are answered, and in a timely fashion.” Dublin South West Fine Gael TD Colm Brophy was next on his feet, saying the issue was “something that the party opposite [Sinn Féin] regularly brings this to the attention of Government.
“It is time sensitive, that is important and that should be addressed this week. And Deputy McDonald has has a track record of ignoring this House and not making statements when they are required.
“She’s done it before, and I think she should take the opportunity to make a statement on this because it affects the behaviour of her party.”
As Sinn Féin TDs complained that the interruptions were “outrageous”, the chair told Mr Brophy his point was not relevant at this stage.
“Business for the week is scheduled. It’s not a matter for Leaders’ Questions,” the ceann comhairle said.
Ms McDonald proceeded to criticise the Taoiseach over scoliosis, citing the case history of a child whose spine curvature was “crushing his lings, bowel and heart”.
Mr Harris said it would not be right for him to discuss the specific clinical details of a child in the Dáil when there were medical professionals involved in the case.
He said he had no less compassion in such cases, and offered to arrange a meeting between Ms McDonald and the clinical lead on scoliosis in the HSE.
