During the Leaders Questions yesterday, Enda Kenny turned the tables on Gerry Adams and questioned him about the Mairia Cahill case.

The Taoiseach announced there would be a 'comprehensive' Dail debate on the issue of abuse following his meeting with Mairia Cahill yesterday.

Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams TD then apologised to victims of abuse who were let down or failed by the IRA’s inability to resolve these issues.

The Taoiseach stated: "I find it absolutely unbelievable that you would come into this House of Parliament and say a man who raped a woman, who sexually abused her, is a decent person." The comment caused ructions in the Dáil.

He also asked Adams to "confirm whether you know, as leader of your party whether Mairia Cahill was required to attend, in a room with three men and her abuser, members of the IRA and whether you are aware of any people who were moved down to this jurisdiction."

Gerrry Adams said: “I am mindful that there are victims and families affected by abuse watching us today. Sexual abuse and abuse of any kind is wrong. The abuse of a child is a particularly heinous crime. The consequences for victims and their families are devastating. We know this having seen the human cost of abuse right across Irish society."

This morning, Chris Donoghue and Ivan Yates discussed the exchange:

They revisited the topic later in the morning, and spoke to Belfast-based security correspondent Alan Murray about the situation:

Following her meeting with the Taoiseach yesterday, Mairia Cahill spoke to reporters outside Government buildings:

Originally posted at 8:04am