Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I thank him and his departmental staff for their work on this issue over the past few years. I would also like to extend a welcome to some of the representatives of the victims of Bill Kenneally who are in the Visitors Gallery today, Mr. Jason Clancy and Mr. Colin Power. Both have worked tirelessly over many years to see justice delivered in this case. Their tireless and brave work is a testament to their strength in the face of horrible crimes. I hope we can today show them the respect due and a similar commitment to achieving justice for the people affected by these crimes.

In my meetings with Mr. Clancy and Mr. Power, I have heard of the work the Minister has done to deliver the terms of reference for this commission of investigation and the good faith with which he has engaged with victims representative groups, which has to be acknowledged. I would also like to endorse the general thrust of the terms of reference of the commission itself. They are broad enough to ensure that the proper areas are being investigated but not so broad that no concrete findings will not be made. Any person from Waterford knows there are questions to be answered, questions about how the State and other institutions reacted to and investigated, or failed to investigate, the allegations made against Bill Kenneally. The almost traditional cult of silence and shame seemed once again to add insult to the injury of those hurt by these crimes and that the State is now making the moves to correct those injustices is something we all welcome.

I want to emphasise that transparency must be at the heart of the investigation that is to take place. For decades, silence and cover-ups defined this case, and we must ensure it is uncovered and that the process remains victim-focused throughout. All steps should be taken by the incoming inquiry chairperson to ensure that victims are kept informed and involved in every step of the process. The people hurt in this case are organised, engaged and well informed, so there can be no excuse to sideline them from the process. Sessions must be in public where possible.

As important as transparency is expediency. The Kenneally cases date back to the 1980s, in fact, possibly earlier. Justice delayed is justice denied, and this justice has been very long in coming. We know that the total list of victims will almost certainly never be known. Mr. Power and Mr. Clancy have shown incredible strength in their activism on this issue, but during that work they have talked to dozens of other victims who have not been able, or willing, to do what they have done. These people are legion and now is the time for their justice to be delivered. The commission should work hard and finish fast. It should aim to complete its work in the shortest possible timeframe that would not compromise the effectiveness of its work.

I would like to wrap up with my impressions of the impact of this case on the people of Waterford. We are a big county in a way but a very small county in another way. A case such as this one, with such evil actions causing such deep hurt to so many, has had ramifications throughout the whole county. It has affected many people and it has really hurt. The victims of Bill Kenneally were hurt, were abused and were damaged, but they have demonstrated strength and fortitude in the face of disinterested or complicit institutions that failed them so badly. Today is the first step in making amends.