Thomas Gould questioned by gardaí over fraud allegations; insists he is 'entirely innocent'
Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins
A Cork TD who was arrested and released without charge on Friday in relation to an alleged €150,000 business fraud almost a decade ago has said he is entirely innocent and utterly rejects the complaint against him.
Thomas Gould, who has been a Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central since 2020, said in a statement issued by his solicitor that he was “entirely innocent” and was confident that his position would be vindicated.
A report in said an Oireachtas member had been arrested by arrangement with gardaí yesterday after presenting at a garda station, accompanied by a solicitor, near their home.
A statement issued by the garda press office said: “As part of an ongoing investigation into fraud offences, gardaí in Co Cork arrested and detained a man yesterday, Friday, March 7.
“He was released without charge on the evening of March 7.
“Investigations are ongoing.” A file is expected to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In a statement issued to on Saturday evening, Mr Gould said he would be meeting with his legal team to discuss all avenues now open to him.
“When this matter was brought to my attention I was shocked and angry,” he said.
“I am entirely innocent and reject the complaint which my former employer has made against me.
“Despite my ongoing treatment for bowel cancer I proactively requested that my interview with gardaí happen quickly rather than when my treatment concluded as I consider this to be a serious attack on my reputation.”
Mr Gould said he had attended by arrangement with the gardaí an interview yesterday.
“I am confident that my position will be vindicated having met with the investigating gardaí where I made a detailed statement,” he said.
“The complaint made against me relates to my employment as a logistics manager before I was elected to the Dáil in 2020. I worked for this company for 16 years.
“I was a hard-working employee who was promoted to a senior management level. When the company was sold the owner asked me to stay on for a period to help with the transition and I was happy to facilitate him.
Mr Gould said he was prevented from making any further comment while the garda investigation continues.
In a statement issued this evening on the matter Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said:
“In early February, Deputy Thomas Gould informed the party that a complaint had been made against him to the Gardaí and that he had been asked to make a statement on the matter.
“He was interviewed by Gardaí in Cork yesterday and made a detailed statement to them.
“We understand that a number of other people have been questioned as part of Garda inquiries. This includes party councillor Kenneth Collins, who worked for the company, and was questioned by Gardaí in January.
“They both emphatically deny the allegations.
“It is now for the Gardaí to continue their investigation into the complaint.”
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