Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 244: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the information provided by the Gardai to DPP about the creation of Dean Lyons confession; the person who decided to persist with the prosecution of Dean Lyons when another person confessed to the killing in much more believable circumstances; the reason there was so much delay in the investigation; the reason there was such delay in admitting Gardaí had charged the wrong man; the reason no one has ever been prosecuted for the murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43938/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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On foot of my proposal, the Government decided last year that a commission of investigation should be established into the making of a confession by the late Dean Lyons about the tragic deaths of Ms. Mary Callinan and Ms Sylvia Shiels in March 1997 in Grangegorman Dublin 7. A draft of the Order establishing the Commission and a statement of reasons for its establishment were approved by each House of the Oireachtas.

I published the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Dean Lyons case on 1 September 2006 and it was comprehensively debated in this House on 29 and 30 November, 2006. I believe the Report, based on the sworn evidence of all relevant witnesses to a senior counsel of considerable experience and integrity, Mr George Birmingham SC, offers a thorough independent analysis of the relevant facts — including those matters to which the Deputy refers. The Report is available on the website of my Department. A number of copies were also placed in the Oireachtas library on my instructions.