Thomas Gould should be permitted to address Dáil over fraud allegations, says SF member 

A Sinn Féin front-bench spokesperson has said it would not be prejudicial for Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould to make a Dáil statement about a garda investigation into an alleged €150,000 business fraud almost a decade ago.

Mr Gould was arrested by arrangement and, after questioning in relation to alleged financial irregularities in a company where he previously worked, was released without charge last Friday.

In a statement released through his solicitor, Mr Gould said: “I am entirely innocent and reject the complaint which my former employer has made against me.”

He added that he was confident that his position would be vindicated. Gardaí have said that investigations on the matter are ongoing, with a file expected to be sent to the DPP.

Mr Gould’s party colleague Kenneth Collins, a councillor for the city’s North West ward, was also arrested by arrangement in January and released without charge in relation to the same case.

Earlier this week, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said Mr Gould had contacted the ceann comhairle “seeking the opportunity to address the Dáil on this matter”.

Speaking to The Echo, David Cullinane, the party’s health spokesperson, said he did not believe a Dáil statement by Mr Gould might prejudice a garda investigation.

“I would imagine that Tommy is acting on the advice of his own legal team,” Mr Cullinane said.

“He has requested time, as I understand it, to make a very brief statement and that’s a matter for Tommy and obviously his legal team.

“Tommy, more than anyone, will be conscious of the fact that there is a live investigation.

“He very strongly refutes the allegations which have been made.

“It’s now up to Tommy to deal with that, which he is doing with his solicitor.”

The Waterford TD said the garda investigation needed to be allowed to conclude, but he believed Mr Gould should be allowed to make a statement to the house.

Dáil Éireann is scheduled to resume on Wednesday, March 19.