“Child abuse is a very difficult issue that people across Ireland are trying to come to terms with and central to all of this is the protection of children,” said Sinn Féin Assembly Chief Whip Carál Ní Chuilín.
“This is not about political parties or indeed the impact on individual politicians. Sinn Féin comes at this from the position that the rights of victims are paramount.
“There is no cover-up or evasion by Sinn Féin of sexual abuse allegations involving party members. A number of alleged victims have in recent weeks come forward to tell their story and I support them fully in that,” said the North Belfast MLA.
"Our position on these matters is crystal clear. At all times the welfare of children is paramount. The people who should investigate allegations of abuse are the statutory authorities charged with this task - the PSNI/Gardaí and the Social Services.
"If an allegation of sexual abuse is made against a Sinn Féin member, the party ensures that the matter is reported to the relevant statutory authorities.
“The member is suspended from the party without prejudice. This is in contrast to other political parties, which have allowed members against whom allegations are being made to remain politically active until the completion of the legal process.
"Early last year a Sinn Féin Councillor was suspended without prejudice from the party as soon as we were made aware of a PSNI investigation. Sinn Féin wrote to the appropriate statutory body to make this known to them in accordance with the parties obligations and due process.”
No comments:
Post a Comment