Tánaiste urges anyone with information related to Epstein files to contact gardaí

Labour TD Duncan Smith pointed to mentions of Ireland in the files

Thu, 12 Feb, 2026 - 15:43

Louise Burne

Tánaiste Simon Harris has called on anyone with information on claims about Ireland in the Epstein files to come forward to gardaí.

The Fine Gael leader told the Dáil the release of the Epstein files revealed “depraved” actions conducted by a “network of powerful men” who took advantage of vulnerable women.

He made the comments as Labour TD Duncan Smith called on the Irish State to cooperate with any investigations.

Mr Smith read out excerpts from the Epstein files onto the Dáil record that mentioned Ireland, including a witness testimony that suggested a young girl had been trafficked through Ireland for “politicians and notable men for the purposes of sex”.

The Labour TD said gardaí confirmed that this claim is not under investigation.

He also noted that there was an email from a man to Ghislaine Maxwell looking for the “names and numbers of people to play with in Ireland”.

Mr Smith called on the Irish State to be “proactive”.

Mr Harris urged anyone with information to contact gardaí.

I think we are all absolutely appalled, sickened, disgusted at the depraved conduct that we are seeing in some of the Epstein files.

“All law authorities, all enforcement agencies, all police forces are going to have to play any role that is appropriate or important in relation to answers in relation to truth, in relation to justice.

“My understanding at the moment is that there hasn’t been specific information in relation to the gardaí or the likes. I will discuss it further with the Taoiseach and the minister for justice."

He appealed with anyone in this country with information related to the files to make it available to gardaí.

“You clearly had here vulnerable young women and a powerful network of despicable, powerful men who abused that and committed depraved acts.”