Michael Noonan urged to give statement on Waterford abuse claims
Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald made the claim as she said Mr Noonan’s response to a series of questions over the case falls far short of what is required.
As reported by the , Mr Noonan repeatedly refused to fully respond to allegations he failed to act on concerns of child abuse at a Waterford foster care home when he was informed of the situation two decades ago.
The case has subsequently led to a State commission of investigation announced last month, amid claims of sexual abuse and a cover-up by the health service.
After meeting with relatives of alleged victims, he organised a meeting with Mr Noonan at the party’s ard fheis in Dublin that year.
Mr O’Halloran claims Mr Noonan, who was the health minister at the time, “did a runner” when he saw him, leaving then junior health minister Austin Currie to meet the individuals.
While Mr O’Halloran says he was raising serious abuse allegations — which, two decades later, have caused a national scandal — no action was taken, leading the former councillor to resign from the party.
Despite the issues being raised with Fine Gael, the Department of Finance, and Mr Noonan repeatedly in recent days, the finance minister would only say on Thursday that he rejected the version of events; that the case still needs to be examined fully; and that he was not going to provide further details to satisfy public “curiosity”.
Speaking to reporters at a Sinn Féin election event yesterday, Ms McDonald said questions over what exactly happened must be answered.
“I think it is very troubling,” said Ms McDonald. “I am familiar with the circumstances in respect of Waterford and a number of people who have had a very traumatic experience and who were let down by the State and who were let down by government.
“I do think that Michael Noonan needs to come out and make a full statement on the matter, to set out exactly what happened, the timeline, and who was involved.
“It’s very important that Michael Noonan puts all those matters on the record.
“I note that even former colleagues of his are very concerned and very angry at what they regard to have been the disregard, the mishandling, the indifference of Michael Noonan to the issue of the time.”
The Public Accounts Committee, of which Ms McDonald is a member, repeatedly highlighted the case last year.
On whether the committee should ask Mr Noonan or Mr Currie to appear and give their accounts on the matter, Ms McDonald said this must now be considered.
“Were it not for PAC, the issues would not have come to light,” said Ms McDonald.
“I think it is something in the next Dáil that has to be pursued. It is always preferable that Michael Noonan would come forward on his own initiative. I think he should do so today.”
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