The Rape Crisis Network has called on Fianna Fáil to clarify its position relating to representations on behalf of convicted criminals after it emerged that two representations seeking the early release of a convicted child rapist had been made in the name of a junior Minister.
Minister of State for Labour Affairs Tony Killeen said yesterday he took full responsibility for the representations made seeking the early release of Joseph Nugent (74), who was jailed in 2002 for six years.
Mr Killeen said an error was made by his staff in seeking the early release and that his intention was to make general inquiries about Mr Nugent "on humanitarian grounds", relating to his care in prison.
He blamed the error on the fact that the letters to the Department of Justice were issued in his name without his having seen them.
"I never saw that letter, but I very seldom see letters," he told RTÉ radio, stating that his office had "issued in excess of 22,000 letters, not counting e-mails and phonecalls".
He had also been in contact directly with two of the victims. "I explained to them that I was really sorry and apologised fully for the fact that the office had done what I had told them not to do. I also explained to them that I always followed matters on humanitarian grounds."
One of Nugent's victims said he wanted a face-to-face apology from Mr Killeen. He also called for legislation to be introduced banning TDs from making such representations. "It is grand to get an apology from the TD, but what I really want is an apology from Nugent."
Executive director of the Rape Crisis Network Fiona Neary said the body was "totally appalled" about the representations. Such representations were "totally reprehensible".
"We understand two letters were sent from Minister Killeen's office," Ms Neary added. "This is therefore not a one-off error, it may in fact amount to unacceptable practice. We would like to hear from the Fianna Fáil party in the strongest possible terms what its policies are regarding constituency activity in seeking to intervene in the legal process.
"We would also seek assurances from all other political parties that their representatives do not engage in this practice at constituency level."
About five staff are employed in the private offices of junior and senior Ministers to look after constituency matters on behalf of the office holder.
In 2002, minister of State for transport Bobby Molloy resigned after it emerged his office made similar representations about a convicted child abuser.
Mr Killeen's two running mates in the general election, Senators Brendan Daly and Timmy Dooley, declined to comment.
Fine Gael election candidate Cllr Madeleine Taylor Quinn (FG) said: "It is deplorable that the representations were made seeking the release of this man. It shows a complete insensitivity to the plight of sex abuse victims and trauma suffered. It is quite appalling. It is very poor if we have to legislate for the legislators on this issue of seeking the early release of sex offenders."
Fine Gael's justice spokesman Jim O'Keeffe described Mr Killeen's actions as "ill-advised".