Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 627: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress he has made in establishing a commission of inquiry into the allegations of child abuse in the diocese of Dublin; if he will establish commissions of inquiry in the other dioceses of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19440/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy is aware, in light of allegations in 2002 about the handling by the church of child sex abuse, I announced my intention to introduce legislation for a new procedure which would enable focused and efficient investigations into matters of significant public concern to be undertaken. The Commissions of Investigation Act was subsequently enacted in July 2004.

My Department is in the process of establishing a commission of investigation into the handling of allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy operating under the aegis of the archdiocese of Dublin. The purpose of the commission will be to examine how such allegations and complaints were handled by church and public authorities.

Under the provisions of the Commissions of Investigation Act, the approval of the Minister for Finance is required before a Minister proposes the establishment of a commission of investigation under the Act to the Government. Accordingly, a draft memorandum for Government proposing the establishment of a commission of investigation into the handling of allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy operating under the aegis of the archdiocese of Dublin was submitted by my Department to the Department of Finance in December 2004 for the approval of the Minister for Finance.

I am in discussion with the Minister for Finance with a view to obtaining his approval to circulate the draft memorandum for Government. I have no plans to establish a commission of investigation in respect of any other diocese.