Mayo parade committee responds to concerns over 'appalling' float
Ballinrobe St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee has issued a statement in which it addresses concerns raised in respect of last Tuesday's event.
The statement comes in the aftermath of a national controversy blowing up over an “Epstein Files” float, described as 'an appalling failure of judgment', due to an apparent re-enactment of sexual assault.
Videos of the float have been shared widely on social media.
The statement outlined: "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 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 committee will now review the organisation of the parade to ensure that future celebrations continue to reflect the respectful, inclusive and family-friendly spirit intended.
"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."
Speaking in Dáil Éireann, Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins stated: "We saw a parade for St. Patrick's Day in Ballinrobe that had a float simulating rape.
"Why was a float dedicated to the Epstein files allowed, and why, when children were present at a parade was any such depiction of rape allowed?
"It is absolutely horrific and joking about rape is part of the problem we have in this society."
The float was also condemned by Rape Crisis Ireland executive director Clíona Saidléar.
“It is absolutely shocking that anybody would choose to re-enact multiple incidents of sexual violence against women as ‘entertainment’ in a St Patrick's Day parade,” she said.
“This is an appalling failure of judgment that reflects the persistent minimisation of sexual violence and a misogynistic culture that facilitates it.
“Such a public display is an act of public grooming that normalises rape and sexual violence, and it is completely unacceptable that there was complicity in allowing this float to take part in the Ballinrobe St. Patrick's Day parade.”