TAOISEACH MICHÉAL MARTIN has said the Irish Government doesn’t hold any Epstein files and that the Department of Justice has no “knowledge” of claims that a woman was trafficked to Ireland for “politicians and notable men”.

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Labour leader Ivana Bacik remarked that “everyday, we hear more about the true horror of Jeffrey Epstein’s global ring of paedophilia and blackmail”.

The paedophile financier was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan, New York, in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide.

Bacik then pointed to the appearance by Lisa Phillips, who was sexually assaulted by Epstein, on the Late Late Show.

In reference to claims contained in the so-called Epstein Files that a woman was trafficked to Ireland, Phillips said she was in Ireland to “push” leaders to “do the right thing, to investigate her claims and anyone else who was in the files”.

A document in the Epstein Files released by the US Justice Department contains an email sent to the FBI in October 2024 from a woman who claimed she was trafficked to Ireland for “politicians and notable men” before she was taken to Epstein’s island

The woman claimed she had reported her story to multiple FBI offices and that officials would get her information then “kick” her out.

“Now is the time for Ireland to take a lead in support of brave victims and survivors like Lisa,” said Bacik.

“We know Epstein visited here,” she added.

“We urgently need release of all files related to Epstein’s interests and activities in Ireland, and we need to put pressure on the British Government to release all their relevant files too.”

Bacik called on Martin to “commit to acting proactively on this in the interests of the survivors of Epstein”.

In reply, Martin said he “salutes the bravery and courage of Lisa Philips in taking on what was a very corrupt and depraved network”.

However, he added that he was “not clear on the files that you [Bacik] were talking about”.

“My understanding is Government don’t hold any files in respect of Epstein – I stand to be corrected on that,” said Martin.

He added: “I know there was an allegation in the Epstein files in respect of a young woman being brought to Ireland, but I’ve no knowledge of that.

“I’ve asked the Department of Justice have they any [knowledge of it], they don’t.”

Martin said An Garda Síochána is responsible for the investigations of any allegations and that it will investigate all complaints and allegations received, particularly in relation to sexual offences.

“I would encourage anyone who has any information or anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence, to reach out for help and to engage with An Garda Síochána,” said Martin.