Minister Thomas Byrne has described as extremely concerning reports about Catherine Connolly’s behaviour relating to vital security clearances in Dáil Éireann.
The Meath East TD commented: "It appears that Deputy Connolly repeatedly tried to gain security clearance to Leinster House for a person who was a member of a fringe anti-peace process group who was convicted of serious arms offences, including being caught with arms and ammunition in a stolen van while wearing a disguise."
“This person was only denied access to our national Parliament through the direct intervention of counter-terrorism officers and in the face of Catherine Connolly’s repeated efforts to have them overruled.
“Given the concerns of anti-terrorism officers and the fact that she was fully informed about the crimes and connections of the person, it is shocking that Catherine Connolly kept demanding access to our Parliament for someone who was connected to a group which sought to destroy the Northern peace process."
Byrne stressed that a serious matter like this should have been brought to the attention of the Dáil when it happened in 2019 and Catherine Connolly should have been obliged to explain herself.
“This is not some small matter. The President and their staff are trusted with a wide range of highly confidential documents, including government memos, and they receive regular security briefings.
“We need an immediate and comprehensive explanation from Catherine Connolly about not just how she could have shown such appalling judgement, but just as importantly why this matter was hidden and her Oireachtas colleagues were not informed.
“At a minimum, Catherine Connolly should immediately release all correspondence she had when trying to get security clearance for a person still on early release for arms offences after conviction by the Special Criminal Court.”
ENDS
