Sinn Féin has appointed a new HR manager after an overhaul of the party’s internal governance procedures prompted by the Michael McMonagle case.
McMonagle – who was jailed last year for child sex offences – had worked as a party press officer and for several Sinn Féin elected representatives.
The party came under pressure last October after it emerged two Sinn Féin press officers had provided job references for McMonagle while he was under investigation.
It faced further criticism after it emerged one of its senators Niall O Donnaghaile had been suspended for sending inappropriate texts to a teenage boy.
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has now published a progress report into the review, which began following questions over the party’s handling of child protection issues.
The party said it had “consulted external professionals as part of this work” and has appointed a new HR Manager, who started on 6 May, alongside a new post of Director of National Corporate Governance.
McDonald said the director would be responsible for driving forward corporate governance, statutory compliance, and management processes within the party.
“A Governance Hub has also been put in place, under the General Secretary which involves senior managers with responsibility for HR, safeguarding and child protection, discipline, training, financial regulation and data protection. It held its inaugural meeting earlier this month,” she added.
“A number of other pieces of work, being produced by external professionals, are at an advanced stage.
“The party’s Child Protection policy has been updated by an Independent Consultancy and Safeguarding Service. A single, comprehensive Employee Handbook is being finalised for use across the country in accordance with employment law and relevant statutory rights and obligations.”
Work looking at the party’s disciplinary procedures to strengthen current procedures and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of processing complaints will also be finalised in the coming weeks.
“We are committed to ensuring the highest level of governance across Sinn Féin and that party management, staff and members are all aware of their responsibilities,” added McDonald.
“Governance will be an ongoing part of our work and we will be reviewing all aspects of this annually.”
