Former Fine Gael politician Bill Tormey has been sent forward for trial on charges of migrant trafficking and possession of child sexual abuse imagery.
The 73-year-old, who has also worked as a hospital consultant and has been a media commentator on health, appeared before a sitting of Dublin District Court this morning.
The ex-councillor was first charged in October following an investigation by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
The accused’s case was called shortly after 11.30am today at the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate Street for service of the book of evidence.
The former politician, represented by solicitor Michael Staines, has not yet entered a formal plea.
Sgt Fergus Sweeney of the Immigration bureau confirmed that he had served the book of evidence on Dr Tormey.
The court was also told that the Director of Public Prosecution had consented to him being sent forward on trial on indictment.
Judge Treasa Kelly sent the accused forward for trial before the Dublin Circuit Court where his case will be next listed for mention on February 14, 2025.
Dr Tormey, of Glasnevin Avenue in Dublin, was remanded on continuing bail in his own bond of €400. The court heard he has already surrendered his passport and that he is to have no contact with witnesses in the case or their families, including via social media.
Dr Tormey didn’t address the court during the brief hearing.
He is charged with one count of trafficking a migrant into the state contrary to Section 2 of the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Act, 2000.
Dr Tormey is accused of knowingly facilitating the entry into the state of a person whom he knew or had reasonable cause to believe was an illegal immigrant or a person who intended to seek asylum.
The offence is alleged to have occurred at Terminal 1, Dublin Airport, on August 4, 2021.
He is also charged with an offence contrary to Section 6(1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998.
The former politician is accused of knowingly having in his possession child pornography to wit, seven images of Child Pornography, as defined by the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998.
The offence is alleged to have occurred at his Dublin home on June 1, 2022.
The accused will appear before Dublin Circuit court in February.
He has served on Dublin City Council for Fine Gael and also unsuccessfully ran for the Dail on a number of occasions for Labour and as an Independent.