Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I simply want to welcome the decision of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charlie Flanagan, to consider the appointment of a senior counsel or retired judge to examine the findings of the tribunal on the Kerry babies and to assess them with a view to having them quashed or set aside. As we all now know, this was a botched investigation by the Garda at the time. The Garda has issued its apology to the Hayes family, as is proper. As we also know, the Minister and Taoiseach have issued apologies on behalf of the State. Joanne Hayes was wrongly charged with the murder of baby John, who was stabbed 28 times and found on White Strand, Cahersiveen, 34 years ago; a crime she had nothing whatsoever to do with. The tribunal's findings can no longer stand in light of these events. An order quashing them is now essential. While everybody naturally wants to respect the privacy of the Hayes family, it is essential and imperative that these findings now be urgently examined with a view to having them quashed and set aside.