Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has expressed her disappointment at Seanad Cathaoirleach Mark Daly for shutting down her request for the Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris to make a statement regarding his party’s ongoing investigation into Senator Martin Conway.

Senator McCormack said:

“I was taken aback by the Seanad Cahaoirleach Mark Daly shutting down my request for Tánaiste Simon Harris to make a statement regarding Fine Gael’s ongoing investigation into Senator Martin Conway’s alleged inappropriate behaviour.

“Before the request could be addressed, the Cathaoirleach intervened, deeming the question out of order and preventing me from pursuing my question.

“This raises questions about transparency and accountability in the upper house, especially concerning the handling of serious allegations within the government.

“While no immediate explanation for the shutdown was provided, my request for clarity from the Tánaiste remains unanswered.

“We know that Senator Conway donated €10,000 as part of an apology for alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a female staff member; this suggests that the allegation was serious.

“It has also been reported that there has been serious disquiet within the Fine Gael party as to why Senator Conway was allowed to run for election for the party, again pointing to the allegations being of a serious nature.

“I therefore repeat my party’s call for Simon Harris to inform the public who knew what and when, so that the public can have confidence in Fine Gael having the correct protection procedures in place to deal with such serious matters.”