Clare Fine Gael TD Pat Breen yesterday agreed to meet the victim of sex offender Joseph Nugent after the man went on local and national radio seeking an apology from the deputy for placing a question last month asking when Mr Nugent would be eligible for early release.
Nugent (74) from Dromellihy, Cree, Co Clare was jailed in 2002 for six years on each of 23 counts of buggery of his neighbour, then aged eight. The abuse continued until the boy was 14.
The victim confirmed last night that a secretary from Deputy Breen's office got in contact with him yesterday afternoon. "I am happy that he has agreed to meet with me and I will be looking for a personal apology at the meeting. I would be more than satisfied with an apology."
The victim confirmed that he was admitted to Ennis General Hospital as a result of the stress brought on by the publicity surrounding Deputy Breen tabling the question.
Nugent is due for release in February 2008. In response to Deputy Breen's question when Nugent will be eligible for early release, Minister for Justice Michael McDowell said that in view of the very serious nature of the offences, he was not prepared to authorise any form of early release.
The victim said: "I wouldn't be that educated, but I know if I was asking when someone was coming out, I would have the common sense to ask the Garda or the prison service, which I think would have been the right thing to do in that case.
He added: "I was very offended.
"I just can't see why that question came forward in the first place."
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