The Executive Director of Rape Crisis Ireland has said it is unacceptable that a St Patrick's Day float, depicting the fallout from the Jeffery Epstein files, took part in a parade in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo yesterday.
The release of documents connected to the convicted sex offender Epstein has generated global attention in recent months.
Cliona Sadlier said the float reflected "the persistent minimisation of sexual violence and misogynistic culture".
Footage has been circulated on social media showing a float, on the back of a trailer, with signage reading "Epstein Files" and "Prince Andrew Goin to Jail".
A number of people are seen on the trailer, which contains a mattress and a makeshift cage, presumed to be a representation of a jail cell.
In a statement to RTÉ News, Ballinrobe St Patrick's Day Parade Committee said it "wishes to address concerns raised about this year's parade".
"As members of this community, as parents, and as volunteers, we want to state clearly that we condemn sexual violence, abuse and exploitation in all forms.
"We acknowledge that one of the floats was not in keeping with the values of our parade. It was highly offensive to those who attended and those who viewed the material online and we apologise unreservedly for this," the statement said.
The committee said the Ballinrobe St Patrick's Day Parade is a "long-standing community event organised entirely by volunteers".
"Floats arrive on the day and often reflect topical themes. There is no entry, registration or vetting process due to the informal, community-led nature of the event.
"We have never previously had an issue of this nature.
"We had no prior knowledge that any float would depict scenes in the manner that took place.
"Once we realised, we responded immediately. Typically, the parade completes two laps of the town but we acted to reduce the parade to one lap. We recognise the many local organisations, schools, clubs and community groups who participated in the appropriate spirit," the statement said.
The committee said it will now review the organisation of the parade "to ensure that future celebrations continue to reflect the respectful, inclusive and family-friendly spirit intended".
The issue dominated this afternoon’s Liveline programme on RTÉ Radio 1.
One caller who saw the parade in Ballinrobe, said it was "particularly upsetting" to see a "a man pinning down a person, dressed as a woman, onto the mattress and being groped".
"How do a group of adults come together and decide on this concept for a float?" she said.
Adding: "Was there not a brain between the lot of them, are they not living in 2026?"
In a statement to Liveline, Ms Sadlier said any "complicity" in allowing the float to participate was unacceptable.
She said such a public display was an act of public grooming that "normalises rape and sexual violence".
The float was also driven on the parade in Headford, Co Galway yesterday.
Fine Gael Councillor for Tuam Andrew Reddington said it was usual for floats to travel to that parade from Shrule in Co Mayo and that those taking part did not have to register in advance.
"That float was not appropriate in any way, shape or form.
"It shouldn’t have been there," he said, adding that "it didn’t go down well".
But Cllr Reddington cautioned against blaming volunteers who organise St Patrick’s Day parades for its involvement.
"Not as much as a thing could have been done" to pull the float, once the parade was in progress, he said, given the task of ensuring the safety of all those involved in, and viewing, the event.
"For the people out there, manning a national road with four entrances, and trying to keep order and keep people safe, that’s the main priority," Cllr Reddington said.
"If that group contacted the committee and booked in, we’d have stopped that straight away. But they didn’t and typically floats never do," he added.
"There’s a huge lesson to be learned here and it’s about educating young people on the seriousness of what happened on that float and that it shouldn’t be done."
The committee said anyone affected by issues relating to sexual violence or abuse can access confidential support through local and national services.
In Mayo, support is available through the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre or Safe Ireland Mayo.
Nationally, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre National Helpline is available at 1800 77 88 88, providing free and confidential support 24 hours a day.
