Ó Snodaigh 'shocked and horrified' by charity allegations

Updated / Wednesday, 4 Nov 2026 20:52

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said that he is shocked and horrified by the very serious allegations that have emerged at Liberty Recycling

The TD who served at its voluntary chairperson said he fully supports the investigations by An Garda Síochána and the Charities Regulator into allegations of money laundering.

Mr Ó Snodaigh made the comments in a personal statement that he was refused permission to read in the Dáil.

He said that the facts must be established, and anyone responsible for any wrongdoing held accountable.

The Dublin South Central TD said that he was motivated to chair the charity over the last 20 years because it offered people recovering from addiction the chance to work and rebuild their lives.

"I can confirm that I have never received remuneration in my role.

"Liberty Recycling developed from a community employment initiative for people who had accessed Merchants Quay's services. That connection belongs to its origins; Merchants Quay has no current role in the charity’s governance, finances or operations," the statement said.

We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences

The TD accepts the serious criticisms of the governance and oversight exercised by the trustees and directors.

"Those criticisms include my role as chairperson. I accept them.

"My reasons for becoming involved were sincere. But good intentions do not remove the responsibilities of a trustee and chairperson. I accept my responsibility to answer for my role and co-operate fully with the examination of what happened," he said.

The TD added that he was not under garda investigation.

"There is no suggestion that I, or the other trustees, were involved in, or aware of, the alleged criminal activity.

"I learnt of the garda searches late on Tuesday, 20 October, and informed my party the following day," he said.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh stressed that he has engaged regularly with the Charities Regulator and met with the senior investigating officer of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and agreed to make himself available at any stage of the investigation.

Mr Ó Snodaigh said that he did not sign a letter submitted to the High Court last week which bore his signature.

He has since submitted a complaint to the gardaí on this matter.

"My immediate concern is for those facing uncertainty about their employment, training and recovery supports.

"Every effort is being made to secure alternative employment or community employment places and continuity of support," he said.