This morning, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny met with Mairia Cahill to discuss her abuse allegations.

Ms Cahill alleges she was raped by an IRA member when she was 16-years-old.

Ms Cahill has also made a series of allegations about how her case was dealt with by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, which he has repeatedly denied.

The Taoiseach informed the Dáil today that there will be a comprehensive Dáil debate on the issue of abuse.

During the proceedings, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams apologised to victims who he says were let down and failed by IRA investigations. Last night, Mr Adams acknowledged for the first time that there was an IRA link to her abuse.

Following her meeting with Enda Kenny, Mairia Cahill spoke to Lunchtime with Jonathan Healy and told him that the Taoiseach treated her compassionately and listened to her experiences.

She also stated that her uncle never asked her to bring her case to the RUC: "They wouldn't let us tell other family members, never mind the police."

Jonathan asked her was it worth talking about her case so openly: "Was it worth it? I have been through the mill this week. I spent most of yesterday crying. I absolutely did the right thing. There should never be a secrecy around sexual abuse.

"What it will do is send a message to other victims of sexual abuse that they will have support."

Here is Maria's interview with Jonathan in full: