Cork Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould denied permission to address Dáil over fraud allegation

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould will not be addressing the Dáil about allegations of fraud, as his request to make a personal statement on the matter has been declined by Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy.

Earlier this month, 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.

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.” 

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.

Mr Collins also denies any wrongdoing of any kind. 

Statement

Mr Gould said in a statement issued via solicitor to The Echo: “I requested to make a personal statement in the Dáil as I believe in accountability and honesty. I strongly reject the allegation that has been made against me.

“The Ceann Chomhairle has declined my request. Therefore I cannot make a personal statement.” 

Ms Murphy reportedly denied Mr Gould's request to make a statement out of concerns that it could interfere with the ongoing criminal investigation.

This follows remarks from Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the topic earlier this week, where he suggested the case was “prematurely” publicised.

Asked about Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald signalling a willingness to make a statement on the matter in the Dáil, Mr Martin said: “I would question it, frankly, because I believe that it’s very early days for Dáil statements, where questions have just happened.” 

He said Mr Gould and Mr Collins had been arrested by appointment and asked questions by the gardaí without any conclusion.

He added: “There’s a process to be followed. We do have separation of powers, and I would have thought that the obvious thing for now would be to await the process and see what transpires.

“And there can be plenty time in the aftermath of that process for questions in the Dail.”