Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is not a matter to be treated lightly and I do not stand up lightly to raise it. It is a matter of huge disquiet to the population at large. Our justice system, An Garda Síochána and the institutions of the State must be held in the highest of esteem and put above reproach. I thank the Taoiseach for indicating that he will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality, but he is well aware of the facts, as is Deputy Rabbitte and every other Deputy or Minister who cares to find out. The current cold case investigation has been dragging on for almost two and a half years. That is not fair. The Garda Commissioner, Mr. Martin Callinan, has been refusing to answer questions for the last year. There is too much unease and too much time has been lost. The parishioners and family of the late Fr. Molloy and all involved need answers to be brought to light by an independent commission of inquiry. I hope I will hear an announcement to that effect from the Cabinet when the Minister returns and the matter has been discussed. The chairman of the Fine Gael Party, Deputy Charles Flanagan, has written to the Taoiseach and has spoken out on the matter. It is very serious. A mountain of evidence has come to light and we know a lot of things we did not know previously. I salute the late Veronica Guerin and Gemma O'Doherty for pursuing this case, as well as the many other journalists who have dared to write about it. It is vital, in this time of debating banks and repossessions, that we have faith in our justice system and the institutions of the State. Things are at a low ebb but this is an opportunity for the Taoiseach to be the leader of the country and put this sordid matter to bed. We all look forward to that.

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