Mairia Cahill speaking on the BBC NI Spotlight programme.
Derry Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the announcement of a review of cases linked to abuse allegations by Mairia Cahill.
Three cases linked to the alleged rape of the Belfast woman are to be reviewed, the Public Prosecution Service has announced.
Ms Cahill said she was raped as a teenager and later interrogated by the IRA about her allegations.
She later went to the police, and a case was brought against the alleged rapist and those said to have been involved in the IRA inquiry.
All charges were dropped and the accused rapist acquitted after Ms Cahill withdrew her evidence.
Ms Cahill waived her right to anonymity to speak to BBC Northern Ireland’s Spotlight programme, broadcast last week.
Ms Cahill is a member of one of the republican movement’s best-known families. Her great uncle, Joe Cahill, was one of the founders of the Provisional IRA.
Announcing the independent review of the cases, Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory, QC, said: “I have carefully considered the range of issues that have been raised following the recent edition of BBC NI’s Spotlight programme A Woman Alone with the IRA.
“While it would not be appropriate for the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) to enter into a media discussion about evidential aspects of these particular cases, I consider that an independent, external scrutiny of our processes and procedures is warranted.”
He added: “I consider that there are particular challenges in prosecuting complex and interlinked cases, as in this instance, involving serious sexual abuse and terrorist related charges and involving multiple complainants and multiple defendants.
“This independent review will consider all aspects of the prosecution of these cases and if there are lessons to be learned, we will do so, openly and transparently.”
Welcoming the announcement, Mr McCartney said the needs of victims “must always be paramount” in dealing with cases of this nature.
He added: “I look forward to the completion of this review.”
Speaking after the Director of Public Prosecutions announced the review, the Foyle MLA added: “The Director of Public Prosecutions has said there will be an independent review of these cases and that is to be welcomed.
“The review will be carried out by an independent legal expert and that is entirely appropriate as these are sensitive legal issues that need to be dealt with professionally.
“It will also examine whether any lessons can be learned from the way this has been handled to date.
“The needs of victims must always be paramount in dealing with cases of this nature.”
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