Gardaí have 'no update' on investigation into distressing phone calls made to female councillors

Gardaí confirmed last week the phone calls were being 'investigated at national level by the An Garda Síochána’s Special Detective Unit'.

Gardaí have confirmed they have no updates on their investigation into distressing and lurid phone calls being made to female councillors across the country.

This is despite the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) saying the phone calls are continuing.

It follows complaints from dozens of public representatives across the country last week, who reported receiving calls from a man claiming to be a "paedophile" who was seeking to "make a confession".

It is understood it was the same man phoning all of the councillors. He encouraged them to “challenge” him about being a paedophile after he made his “confession”.

Gardaí confirmed last week the phone calls were being “investigated at national level by the An Garda Síochána’s Special Detective Unit”.

“Any threats against elected representatives or political candidates are taken seriously and will be investigated,” it added.

The Garda Press Office confirmed on Thursday there was “no update” on its investigations.

AILG president Cllr Aengus O’Rourke said the group “remains aware that some female councillors continue to receive harassing telephone calls”, adding that it was a “distressing experience”.

“Our priority from the outset has been, and continues to be, the safety and wellbeing of our female members,” he said.

“We remain in regular contact with councillors across the country, providing guidance, reassurance and practical support, while continuing to encourage female members to report any incidents to An Garda Síochána.

“We understand that An Garda Síochána's investigation remains ongoing, and we will continue to work closely with gardaí and Government while supporting our members throughout this process.”

The AILG is also delivering a dedicated online security workshop for female councillors this week, which will provide “practical advice on personal safety, online security and protecting personal information while carrying out public duties”.

A Garda spokesperson said last week liaison inspectors had been appointed in every Garda division to "help keep all those participating in political life safe", and were available to receive reports of incidents involving elected representatives.