Time to appoint Senior Counsel to review the Epstein files – Bacik

Speaking in the Dáil today, Labour leader Ivana Bacik TD called on the Taoiseach to appoint a Senior Counsel to review the Epstein files and carry out a scoping exercise into potential links to Ireland.

Deputy Bacik said:

“There can be no justice for survivors of Epstein unless we see full disclosure of information relating to his global trafficking network. Here in Ireland, the Government must commence a robust investigation into the extent to which his network was involved in Ireland. We know that Epstein visited Ireland, and that he and his associates had business interests in Ireland. It is time to investigate if any abuse occurred in Ireland.

“Survivors of sexual violence deserve deserve to see that perpetrators are held accountable. That is why I have called on the Taoiseach to appoint a Senior Counsel to review the Epstein files that have been released by the US Dept of Justice and carry out a scoping exercise to establish the extent of his Irish links. In response to me in the Dáil, the Taoiseach did not refuse my request to see this sort of exercise initiated. I would urge him now to follow up and take a proactive approach to seeking justice for survivors of sexual abuse.

“Last Thursday, I accompanied survivors of Jeffrey Epstein in Westminster, as they met British MPs seeking answers about the scale of complicity in his global trafficking network. I met with the courageous Lisa Phillips and reaffirmed my support for her campaign for a full investigation into the abuse she and others endured.

“It is beyond time for carry out a scoping exercise into potential Epstein links to Ireland. We must do the right thing and stand by victims of sexual violence.”