Organisations working to support victims of sexual violence have expressed concern, after a float referencing the Jeffery Epstein files, featured in several St Patrick's Day parades in Counties Mayo and Galway.
The release of documents connected to the convicted sex offender has generated global attention in recent weeks.
A float depicting the fallout from those papers featured in four parades in towns and villages around the Galway and Mayo border on St Patrick's Day.
Footage circulated on social media shows the trailer, drawn by a tractor, taking part in the event in Headford, Co Galway, as well as other parades that were held in Kilmaine, Shrule and Ballinrobe, in Co Mayo.
The display bore signage reading "Epstein Files" and "Prince Andrew Goin to Jail", along with a mattress and a makeshift cage. In a video shot at the parade in Ballinrobe, a number of people are on and around the trailer, including a male who appears to be pinning another person down onto the mattress.
In footage from the parade in Kilmaine, one of the participants, dressed as a girl, is seen running and screaming, while being pursued by another person.
Organisers of the events in question say they had no prior knowledge of the float or the content it would depict, as pre-registration is not usual for participants in the annual community focused celebrations of the National holiday.
It appears that those responsible for the float turned up at the different locations and joined the convoy of vehicles taking part in each parade.
The towns and villages in question are within a 20 kilometre radius of each other and had staggered parade times.
There’s been widespread criticism of the actions of those involved.
The Executive Director of Rape Crisis Ireland, Cliona Sadlier, said the float referenced "the persistent minimisation of sexual violence and misogynistic culture".
She said it amounted to a act of public grooming that normalised rape.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the display was extremely insensitive to victims and survivors, adding that it sent a harmful message to wider society that sexual violence was something to mock and make light of.
Its Chief Executive, Rachel Morrogh, said the concept trivialised an awful reality and was further evidence of a lack of awareness of the impact, harm and trauma caused by sexual violence.
She said that turning rape into a joke stigmatised the experiences of victims and survivors in every community across the country.
The organisation says it has been contacted by several people who have been upset by reports about the float since they were aired this afternoon.
The voluntary committee that runs the parade in Ballinrobe issued a statement this evening apologising unreservedly for the display, which it said was highly offensive.
It said it would review its procedures in light of the controversy and added that a planned second lap of the town by those taking part was abandoned, as soon as the offending float was noticed yesterday.
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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.
