Clearing Michelle O'Neill: No Breach Found in McMonagle Case Investigation

Investigation Findings

An investigation into complaints regarding evidence provided to the Executive Office Committee by Michelle O'Neill following the Sinn Féin employment references scandal has found no breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct. The investigation, triggered by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston's allegations, revealed that Michelle O'Neill did not mislead the Committee for The Executive Office. The Commissioner's report established that there was no interaction between O'Neill and Mr McMonagle on the specific date cited in the allegations, thus clearing her of any wrongdoing.

Absence of Misconduct

Dr Melissa McCullough's examination found that there was no evidence to suggest that O'Neill was aware of the employment references provided by two senior party members on behalf of Mr McMonagle. The Commissioner highlighted that the former Sinn Féin HR Director did not notify O'Neill about the inquiries from the BHF and had not engaged in discussions about Mr McMonagle with her. The investigation affirmed that Michelle O'Neill's statements to the Committee were truthful and supported by the evidence gathered and analysed.