By Sean Ryan.

The website of a prominent Independent TD has been hacked.

South Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath (57) was forced to close down his website tonight after it redirected constituents to adult sex sites.

In a statement issued tonight McGrath said: ''It appears that my website is having some difficulties following an attack and people are being re-directed to inappropriate sites.

"We are currently working on the issue to have it taken down/resolved but in the meantime, please avoid clicking on any of the links to my website. Apologies for any inconvenience caused."

McGrath, who is a devout Catholic and who met Pope Francis last week, also confirmed that he had reported the matter to the Gardaí who are investigating the matter.