Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to remind the House about the scale of this investigation. The Kenneally case will turn out to be one of the most prolific paedophile cases in the country. The convictions were secured on sample charges. Five individuals have come forward but I am sure many people who have been impacted have decided not to come forward. The State has a duty of care with respect to ensuring that as wide an investigation as can happen will happen. There are significant components to this investigation, not least the influence of a well-known political family, the potential influence of church seniors, the influence of gardaí and the robustness and effectiveness of the investigation that was taken in terms of search and seize.

I remind the Minister of State that this case came about in 2012 but the abuse goes back to the mid-1980s. The gentlemen involved, who are now grown men, want some vindication of their position. They want to ensure that nothing like this can recur. Unfortunately, we have seen with national swim coaches and boy scout organisations in recent weeks that this is an ongoing problem. It has to be rooted out and I ask that the Department make all efforts to ensure that the commission of investigation can get up and running with Mr. Justice White as quickly as possible.

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