Gardaí confirm receipt of Sinn Féin correspondence

Gardaí have confirmed they have received correspondence from Sinn Féin in connection with the alleged incidents surrounding the resignation of TD Brian Stanley.

The material was handed in at Kevin Street Garda Station in Dublin by a barrister, who is also a Sinn Féin member, and is being examined.

The correspondence contains a cover letter and copies of text messages shared between the two parties.

It states that the alleged incident that led to the initial complaint refers was on 11 October last year and the counter allegation relates to an alleged incident two days later on 13 October 2023.

The cover letter states that "there may be issues that present possibilities for further investigation by An Garda Síochána."

Gardaí are assessing the letter and the material enclosed to determine if they need to begin an investigation.

In a statement, Garda headquarters said that it had received correspondence from a third-party organisation and had no other comment to make.

It also said that "in general and without commenting on any specific matter, third party referrals to An Garda Síochána are initially examined to determine whether they meet the threshold for a potential criminal offence. They are not automatically subject to criminal investigation."

Meanwhile, the Dáil Committee of Selection has unanimously agreed that the proposal from Sinn Féin to replace Mr Stanley as chair of the Public Accounts Committee will go to the Dáil next week for a vote without debate.