Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy will be aware, the commission's report on the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin was published in November last. The commission is at present examining the Diocese of Cloyne, and the Government extended the commission's term to 30 June to allow this work to be completed.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigations of the assistant commissioner appointed by the Garda Commissioner to examine the findings of the Dublin Archdiocese report relating to the handling of complaints and investigations by both Church and State authorities are ongoing. He will complete his investigations expeditiously with a view to reporting to the Commissioner as early as possible. When he reports to the Commissioner with his recommendations, the Commissioner will consult with the DPP as to what issues arise in the context of criminal liability.

I am informed by my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs, that the HSE is currently in the process of completing its audit of Catholic dioceses to ensure that it, as the statutorily responsible body, is fully aware of all cases of clerical child sex abuse known to the church. It is hoped that the HSE will submit its report to the Minister of State in the near future.

Consideration of the results of all these investigations will include consideration of what further action require to be taken, including a possible extension of the Commission's remit.

Bringing the perpetrators to justice, whenever and wherever the abuse occurred, must be the absolute priority. I repeat my call for any person, including members of the clergy, who has knowledge of such abuse to contact the Garda Síochána immediately.

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