Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman and the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise the serious and urgent matter of the murder of Fr. Niall Molloy in 1985, along with the serious allegations of a cover up about which many people have serious concerns.

I have particular respect for the great and brave work done by Gemma O'Doherty, a journalist with the Irish Independent, William Maher, nephew of Fr. Niall, and the entire family, who want the truth and justice for their relative. We need to get to the truth of this matter. The citizens of this State deserve the facts. They also deserve high standards of professionalism and objectivity from the Garda, the courts, the State and their politicians. That is what this debate is about. My main concerns are based on the evidence. For more than 27 years disquieting allegations have surrounded the murder, the initial Garda investigation and the subsequent trial.

My concerns are these. Fr. Niall Molloy who died in Clara, County Offaly, on 8 July 1985, died as a result of a series of fatal blows to the head. The original investigation team committed errors of negligence and incompetence. There was a failure to retain vital evidence found at the murder scene. There was a broken watch which would have determined the time of the killing. There was a failure to identify blood and fingerprints at the scene, and a failure to interview important witnesses. There were glaring inconsistencies in the Garda statements at the inquest. The judge knew the accused. The Garda file was stolen from the DPP's office by the well-known criminal, the "General", Martin Cahill, in 1987. Why was Fr. Niall Molloy left to die over five hours?

These are just a few of my concerns. These serious questions must be answered and any cover up exposed to ensure that the citizens of this State have trust in our justice system. I urge the Minister to commence a commission of investigation because these are serious allegations. We need answers on behalf of the citizens of this State and for the family of Fr. Niall Molloy.

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