Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I highlight an issue fundamental to the pursuit of justice in this country in 2013. There is an ongoing scandal surrounding the unsolved murder of a hugely popular parish priest, Fr. Niall Molloy, in 1985. The case has remained controversial and there has been unhappiness and unease about it through several Governments for three decades. All of the evidence points to a high level cover up, involving all of the institutions of the State, including, sadly, elements of An Garda Síochána, the Judiciary, politicians, the health service and the Catholic Church. The main point is that we want to get to the bottom of this sordid affair. Fr. Niall Molloy was beaten to death and left bleeding for up to six hours, according to an independent neuropathologist who examined his brain. Dermot Hourihane, a former professor of pathology at Trinity College Dublin and St. James's Hospital, spoke to anyone who wanted to listen to him last week in the audiovisual room. He left us in no doubt about his findings and those of his senior and eminent colleagues. Fr. Niall Molloy's watch was cracked and stopped at 10.40 p.m., but the Garda was not contacted until 3.15 a.m. the following morning. What happened during these vital hours?

By all accounts, the first Garda investigation was a total shambles. Vital evidence was contaminated and important witnesses were never interviewed. At the first inquest the Garda contradicted the State pathologist. The trial judge, the late Mr. Justice Frank Roe, was a friend of the Flynn family.

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