'Despicable, powerful men' - Tánaiste urges anyone with information on Jeffrey Epstein to bring it to Gardaí

Tánaiste Mícheál Martin has urged anyone with information on Jeffrey Epstein or the "despicable, powerful men" associated with him to go to Gardaí. 

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Deputy Duncan Smith raised the fact that he has sought international co-operation on an inquiry into a young girl being trafficked through Ireland for "politicians and notable men" for the purposes of sex.

He added that no investigation into this claim is underway in Ireland, despite the country's "dark history"  of child abuse. 

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"We have seen a history of those in power, be it politicians, the clergy or police, that investigations can be shelved and victims and injustices ignored. We need to be proactive here at the very least," Deputy Smith said.

He concluded that the State needs to "fully explore" the documents and find out if there are anything further within them. 

Tánaiste Mícheál Martin responded to say that he is "appalled, sickened and disgusted" at what has been revealed by the release of the Epstein files. 

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He confirmed that nobody in Ireland has been looking into the files in a criminally investiagtive manner, but that he will discuss it further with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice.

"All law authorities, enforcement agencies and police forces are going to have to play any role that is appropriate or important in relation to answers, truth and justice," the Tánasite said.

"I appeal to any person in this country who may have any information at all in relation to this to please go to the Garda and make that information available," he added. 

He concluded by saying that "despicable, powerful men" abused "vulnerable young women" by carrying out "depraved acts" on them.