Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould says he's "entirely innocent" after being questioned by Gardaí investigating an alleged business fraud over a decade ago.
In a statement issued through a solicitor in Cork overnight, Deputy Gould confirmed he was the Oireachtas member questioned on Friday and later released without charge.
He says he's shocked and angry over the complaint made against him by "a former employer" and "confident he will be vindicated".
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald says he informed the party last month that a complaint had been made against him, which he "emphatically denies".
He said that he attended by arrangement with Gardaí for an interview.
“I am confident that my position will be vindicated having met with the investigating Gardaí where I made a detailed statement.
“The complaint made against me relates to my employment as a logistics manager before I was elected to the Dáil in 2020. I worked for this company for 16 years.
“I was a hard-working employee who was promoted to a senior management level. When the company was sold the owner asked me to stay on for a period to help with the transition and I was happy to facilitate him.
“I reject the complaint entirely and I will be meeting with my legal team to discuss all avenues now open.
“I am prevented from making any further comment while the Gardaí continue with their work.”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald confirmed that the party was aware of the investigation.
“In early February, Deputy Thomas Gould informed the party that a complaint had been made against him to the Gardaí and that he had been asked to make a statement on the matter.
“He was interviewed by Gardaí in Cork yesterday and made a detailed statement to them.
“We understand that a number of other people have been questioned as part of Garda inquiries. This includes party councillor Kenneth Collins, who worked for the company, and was questioned by Gardaí in January.
“They both emphatically deny the allegations. It is now for the Gardaí to continue their investigation into the complaint.”
