Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 493: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the statement in the Ferns Report that a member of the Garda who participated in the events surrounding the sexual abuse allegations was also a member of the Knights of Columbanus; if such membership is allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32417/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware of the reference made at paragraph 4 of page 147 of the Ferns Report to an individual, who was a Knight of Columbanus, being approached by an unnamed member of the Garda Síochána, who was also a Knight of Columbanus, in connection with allegations made against a particular priest.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there is no prohibition on members of the Garda Síochána becoming members of the Knights of Columbanus. The Garda Siochána Act 2005 will, however, continue the existing prohibition of membership of a secret society.