Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 44: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the promised investigation into the circumstances in which the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin managed abuse claims against priests, which he first announced in 2002, is likely to be established; the reason for the long delay in its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21474/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy is aware, in the 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 currently 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 Catholic 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 to Government the establishment of a commission of investigation. 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 currently in discussion with the Minister for Finance with a view to obtaining his approval to circulate the draft memorandum for Government.