Lisa Phillips, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein, is calling for Irish authorities to conduct a "thorough" investigation into Ireland's ties with the late sex offender.
In a pre-recorded interview for Friday's episode of "The Late Late Show" on RTÉ, Phillips recounts how she was drawn into Epstein’s orbit, the powerful figures she encountered, and her ongoing mission to expose perpetrators and seek justice.
According to RTÉ, Phillips said in part during her pre-recorded interview: "My motivation for being here is that brave, young girl you know who spoke out - she contacted the FBI.
"So, you know, I'm also here to meet with some power leaders. And do a little push, you know, to do the right thing, to investigate her claims and anyone else who was in the files.
"There needs to be a thorough investigation," she added.
She continued: "I've always said, it's not just in the United States, it's a global human trafficking ring. And there are many powerful people - government officials, financial institutions, universities, modelling industry, entertainment industry - there are so many people that are involved, which is why it's a big mess."
Elsewhere in her interview, Phillips recalls being on "Epstein Island" and meeting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew. The disgraced royal was arrested on Thursday in relation to an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office; he has since been released under investigation.
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The "brave, young girl" Phillips was referring to mentioned Ireland in a complaint lodged with the FBI's National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) in October 2024, according to an email published by the US Department of Justice.
The woman - whose name and identifying information have been redacted - alleged that she had been a victim of human trafficking involving Jeffrey Epstein.
In a synopsis, the NTOC's Threat Intake Examiner (TIE) wrote to an FBI Special Agent that the woman said that she began being trafficked when she was five years old and that when she was 12-13 years old, she was "taken and was brought to Paris to do it in the most 'romantic' place in the world and was raped by three men."
The synopsis continued: "The men were a part of an organization that would take naked photos of young girls and used [redacted] photo where she flew to Ireland for politicians and notable men.
"They would have sex with the young women and she was taken from Ireland and brought to Jeffery Epstein Island when she was 13 years old."
The disturbing allegation was discussed in the Dáil on February 12, when Labour TD Duncan Smith said that he had written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin to seek "international co-operation for an inquiry" into the woman's allegations about "politicians and notable men" in Ireland.
Smith said that Garda headquarters said no investigation or inquiry was underway regarding the woman's claim.
He continued: "This witness statement is not the only concerning document released in those files relating to Ireland. Within them is an email from one David Wassong to Ghislaine Maxwell which asks if she will send him 'the names and numbers of people to play with in Ireland.'"
Smith said: "Our State has a dark history when it comes to the abuse of children. We have seen a history of those in power, be it politicians, the clergy or police, that investigations can be shelved and victims and injustices ignored.
"We need to be proactive here at the very least. We need to see some form of action from the Irish State to fully explore what is in those statements and emails alone, and indeed, if there is anything further."
Responding to Smith, Tánaiste Simon Harris said: "We are all absolutely appalled, sickened and disgusted at the depraved - and that word does not fully capture it - conduct we are seeing in some of the Epstein files.
"Like the Deputy, all of us are seeing that many files are being put out with different bits of information at different times.
"Of course, all law authorities, enforcement agencies, and police forces are going to have to play any role that is appropriate or important in relation to answers, truth, and justice.
"My understanding is that there has not been specific information in relation to the Garda and the like.
"However, on foot of Deputy Smith raising the matter in the Dáil, I will discuss it further with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice."
The Tánaiste added: "I appeal to any person in this country who may have any information at all in relation to this to please go to the Garda and make that information available. It is safe enough to say this much. You clearly had here vulnerable young women in a powerful network of despicable powerful men who abused that and carried out depraved acts."
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