Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will not get into the details of the matter, but in order that people know what is under discussion, at the meeting Deputy Cullinane asked the Commissioner in respect of a particular case about which he had read in the media. He asked:

Does that mean the Garda has conducted an examination of the case? Has Mr. Harris examined the claims made by the individual in question?

Mr. Harris responded, "That is also the subject of a public complaint to GSOC." In the correspondence, Mr. Harris clarifies that no public complaint has been made to GSOC. As Deputy Murphy points out, it is right to correct the record, but we need to write to the Commissioner and seek an explanation of the circumstances in which incorrect information was given to the committee, such as what notes or briefing were given or where the gap was in the information. As the Deputy stated, it is a serious issue. That is the essence of her point. We will note and publish that correspondence.

We have dealt with No. 2174 from the Department and Equality in regard to tuberculosis. We note and publish it.

No. 2175, dated 17 May 2019, is from Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú, Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills. He provides a further update for the committee in respect of the property transfer from religious congregations and contributions towards the cost incurred by the State in responding to the residential institutional child abuse issue. We will note and publish this. Deputies may wish to comment on it.

We are making good progress, at long last. This committee is driving this matter because Mr. Ó Foghlú is responding to us and meeting the congregation. It has been 15 years but we will keep at it until the matter has concluded, as long as we are here. I welcome the progress but it is long overdue.