Call for Ó Snodaigh to make Dáil statement over charity

Tánaiste Simon Harris has called on Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh to make a statement to the Dáil to explain his role with Liberty Recycling.

Mr Ó Snodaigh is the chair of the charity, which is under investigation for money laundering.

The High Court heard last week that he had signed off on the establishment of two other related entities, which were not charities.

The Charities Regulator said that while there was no evidence that the charity's trustees were involved in the activities under investigation, it had formed the view that there was little or no effective management or oversight of the charity’s activities.

A Sinn Féin spokesperson said Mr Ó Snodaigh has "reiterated his support for the ongoing garda investigation, taking place in conjunction with the office of the Charities Regulator".

Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Mr Harris said: "I think it would be rather absurd if he didn't make a statement to the Dáil.

"Quite frankly, could you imagine if this was any in any other party, what Sinn Féin would be calling to happen?"

He said it is "really important" that Mr Ó Snodaigh provides a statement to the Dáil.

Mr Harris added gardaí have a job to do "and the Oireachtas should never cut across that".

However, he said the Oireachtas has a "very important job to do in terms of protecting taxpayers' money".

"This a charity that received millions of euro of your money, and we, the people's representatives, have not only every right but every obligation to hear more in relation to that, " Mr Harris said.

He said a personal statement from Mr Ó Snodaigh would be "very helpful".

"I do think if you're a member of the office who's chaired a charity that has received millions of euro taxpayers' money, there's now significant public concern.

"I think it would be very helpful to provide further details on that. I think that should be done today," he said.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the situation is "very, very concerning".

Mr Martin said it has broader consequences in "terms of the charity area more generally".

"People want confidence, and people need trust in charities," he said.

"So the situation is very, very concerning, and obviously there are investigations underway.

"And as far as I'm concerned, that's where I see it," he added.