John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There was a mass wringing of hands going on in Leinster House for the last while over this issue. The fact that we are here now discussing a public inquiry is because Maurice and Lorraine McCabe have absolutely no trust in a private inquiry. We have had enough of such inquiries.

In regard to the smear campaign, why is it that we cannot admit that, for the past number of years, anyone who supported Maurice McCabe or wished to listen to what was being said in this House about him was sold the narrative that he had abused people sexually? That is what they said. Therefore, those who supported him were dissuaded from supporting him by virtue of that gossip, innuendo and accusation. The fact of the matter is that while that was going on, the Tusla file existed. How many gardaí knew about that Tusla file? How many in this House knew about the allegations that were being made? When Maurice McCabe appeared before the Committee of Public Accounts, great efforts were made by this House and Members within it to stop him from coming forward. We are here today because we have ignored Maurice McCabe and the other Maurice McCabes who exist.

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