Gardaí in the North-West of the country are investigating allegations of a man viewing child pornography images after an official Oireachtas-issued laptop was seized.
It is understood the man works for a TD and is accused of viewing child abuse material.
Two internal Leinster House committees were this week asked to waive parliamentary privilege that applies to politicians’ documents in order for gardaí to access the laptop, according to indepedent.ie
The man accused of viewing the child abuse material online has not been arrested but is being investigated for alleged breaches of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act.
The man works for a TD, who is not accused of any wrongdoing and is not being identified for legal reasons.
Investigating officers are examining any electronic device the man owns or has access to.
An Garda Síochána confirmed in a statement: “Gardaí in the North West are currently investigating allegations made against a male from the area relating to the viewing of child abuse material online contrary to the provisions of Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998.”
The TD, who is the man’s employer, and two little-known Oireachtas committees made up of TDs and senators were required to waive parliamentary privilege, which applies to all documents belonging to members of the Oireachtas, in order to allow gardaí to gain access to the laptop and its contents using an Oireachtas-issued digital access key.
A spokesperson for the Houses of the Oireachtas said: “We are not in a position to comment on the confidential proceedings of CPPO of either House.”
