Sinn Féin has said it fully supports a Garda investigation into a charity chaired by one of its TDs. 

Liberty Recycling Ltd describes itself as a “social enterprise that aims to provide people affected by drugs with stability, work experience, skills and confidence”. 

The organisation was founded in Aengus Ó Snodaigh’s Dublin South-Central constituency and currently employs 65 people nationwide. 

However, it is now subject to a criminal investigation, after concerns were flagged with the charity's regulator, who then notified the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau.  

“A number of searches took place last year when the charity's regulator raised concerns with the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau,” Irish Sun Crime Editor Stephen Breen explained on Newstalk Breakfast.  

“Those concerns related to donations that were being made to the company, but those donations weren't going back into the company.

“As a result of the investigation that stemmed from last year, a number of searches took place this week; two BMWs were seized by Garda and €40,000 worth of designer goods as well.

“This is the first time that any items were seized as part of the investigation, but no arrests have been made.”

In a statement to the media, Sinn Féin said it was aware of the investigation and that Deputy Ó Snodaigh was not part of the Garda probe. 

“Sinn Féin fully supports any investigation,” a spokesperson said. 

“Deputy Ó Snodaigh has engaged with the office of the Charities Regulator.

“He has not been contacted by Gardaí but, if required, he will make ­himself available to assist with their inquiries.”

Main image: Members of Gardaí on patrol. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie.