Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I begin by stating that Sinn Féin will support the motion and I thank the Minister for bringing it forward. I know there was some discussion on how it would interact with the process in the courts but it is right and proper that this proceeds. The real credit lies with the victims who have campaigned for the establishment of this commission of investigation. I acknowledge those who are present, including Mr. Colin Power and Mr. Barry Murphy. Mr. Jason Clancy first made the complaint and there was also Mr. Kevin Keating, among others. I and others have met these men and I hope we have been of some assistance.

The greatest credit lies with them because it is clearly very difficult to come forward and tell the story of the depravity of the actions of Mr. Kenneally and the failures relating to them. As the Minister outlined, we are obviously somewhat constrained in what we can say. However, what we can say is that it is a fact that Bill Kenneally is convicted of sexual assaults. We can say that serious questions arise for a number of organisations in the context of their failures. The terms of reference refer to An Garda Síochána, the South-Eastern Health Board, Basketball Ireland, the Catholic Diocese of Waterford and Lismore and unnamed political figures. This was allowed to continue for far too long.

It is an indictment on the State that so many people were failed over such a protracted period. In the Upper House, Senator Diarmuid Wilson quoted Mr. Justice George Birmingham, who said that in his experience he was not aware of a case involving such a number of victims, where the abuse was so severe, coupled with the breach of trust, the use of alcohol, the payment of money and the use of photos as a form of coercion. The abuse involved was absolutely horrific - the courts have addressed this and will continue, I hope, to address this - and it was accompanied by deep-seated failures on the part of numerous voluntary organisations and agencies of the State. That is, in and of itself, an appalling act. I hope the commission will address it.

I wish Judge Barry Hickson well. I hope this process will allow truth and accountability to result. I thank the Minister for bringing forward the motion but the greatest credit is due to those who campaigned for this day. I hope they are pleased and welcome it. I hope that it will result in the justice and truth they so desire.

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