Tusla 'apologising fully' to Sgt Maurice McCabe

Child and family agency, Tusla has apologised after accepting they had created a file of false sexual abuse allegations in connection with Garda whistleblower Sergeant McCabe “in error”.

While the Cavan-native is not named directly in the Tusla statement posted on the agency website, it has been widely reported that the apology is in direct response to revelations it sent a file containing the false allegations of child sex abuse against Sgt McCabe to An Garda Síochána.

It has since emerged that high-ranking members of the force were aware of the false claims against Sgt McCabe, but never informed him.

A commission of investigation headed by Supreme Court judge Peter Charleton has now been established to look into claims that senior gardaí, including Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan were involved in orchestrating a smear campaign against Sgt McCabe.

In a statement this morning, Tusla said: “Although we cannot comment on the details of this individual case, we can confirm that we are in the process of apologising fully to the individual involved.

“It appears there were some failures and these are the subject of our internal review, the conclusions of which will be made public.”

The statement adds: “Tusla regrets that this situation has arisen and deeply apologises for distress caused. It does not reflect the high standards that we hold ourselves to and we want to assure the public that we will take whatever steps are required to ensure that nothing like this happens again.”

Reports indicate that the former Person of the Year, who is from Mountnugent, may now consider legal action against Tusla. The Anglo-Celt has tried to contact Sgt McCabe.