The north’s Director of Public Prosecutions has apologised to three women who accused an alleged IRA member of abusing them as children, after a damning report criticised how his prosecution was handled.

Politicians are waiting for a date to discuss the Maíria Cahill abuse allegations, after the Taoiseach confirmed yesterday that the Dáil would set aside time to debate the issues raised by her experiences.

Four people accused of covering up the rape of Máiria Cahill have issued a statement rejecting her claims.