Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The Government is committed to uncovering the truth of what happened in this case. We remain absolutely committed to establishing a commission of investigation into the circumstances surrounding the horrific crimes committed by Bill Kenneally. This has always been the case. When the Government decided in May of last year to announce the intention to establish the commission it was based on legal advice from the then Attorney General that indicated there would be severe delays if the commission were to be established at that time. This decision was communicated to the people involved directly at the time. The decision was made on a number of outstanding legal matters, including ongoing investigations into further offences and a concern that evidence adduced at a commission may impact on future prosecutions.

I am advised that criminal investigations are ongoing in respect of a number of such cases. Files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, in several instances and directions are awaited. The DPP operates fully independently of Government. It is also my belief and that of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, and all my Government colleagues that persons who make allegations of sexual abuse are entitled to have their claims fully investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted. I believe it would be entirely inappropriate for the Government to take any action that risks seriously compromising the investigations. I have to hand a long answer that I will forward to the Deputy in order that he has a clear understanding as to where we are on this issue.

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