Underfire Taoiseach Enda Kenny has offered a “full apology” to Garda whistleblower Sergeant Muarice McCabe and his family.

Mr Kenny was speaking as the Dáil began a debate on confidence in the government, following a week of political upheaval.

Earlier in the week Sinn Féin tabled a motion of no confidence in Mr Kenny's administration over its handling of the controversy over the alleged smear campaign against Sgt. McCabe.

During his opening speech in the debate, Mr Kenny said said the false sex abuse allegations that had been made against the whistleblower were “simply appalling”.

Mr Kenny added: “Sexual abuse is the worst crime that a person could be accused of.

“He and his family deserve the truth as do all against whom allegations have been made.

“And I therefore offer a full apology to Maurice McCabe and his family for the treatment meted out to them as exposed in recent programmes.”

He said that the government has decided that a full tribunal of inquiry is the only way that the truth of the alleged smear campaign can be found “in a way that’s transparent to the public but also fair to all concerned”.

Mr Kenny hit out at Sinn Féin for their motion of no confidence.

He said: “When one reflects on the history of that party's relationship with An Garda Síochána over the years and their [Sinn Féin’s] shameful handling of sexual abuse claims within their own movement, they have a brass neck to call for a general election on these issues.”

Online Editors