Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform the position regarding the Garda investigation into matters arising from the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin; if he is in a position to state if the Government plans to establish a commission of investigation into other dioceses in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35369/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Assistant Commissioner appointed by the Garda Commissioner to examine the findings of the Dublin Archdiocese report relating to the handling of complaints and investigations by both Church and State authorities, and to carry out such investigations and enquiries as he deems appropriate, is continuing his examination of the report. I am assured that he will complete his examination and other appropriate enquiries as expeditiously as possible, following which he will report to the Commissioner. When he does so, the Commissioner will consult with the law officers on issues arising in respect of criminal liability.

I am informed by my colleague the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs that the Health Service Executive is continuing its audit of Catholic dioceses to ensure that it, as the statutorily responsible body, is fully aware of all cases of clerical child sex abuse known to the Church and that each diocese is prepared, in terms of the policies and procedures in place, to handle allegation of child sexual abuse and prevent the possibility of such abuse in the future. The HSE hopes to complete its audit in the near future, following which it will submit its report to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. A HSE audit of religious orders is also underway. Consideration of the results of these investigations will include consideration of what further actions require to be taken, including a possible extension of the Commission's remit. The Commission is at present examining the Diocese of Cloyne, and the Government has extended its term to 31 October to allow this work to be completed. Bringing the perpetrators of child sexual abuse to justice, whenever and wherever the abuse occurred, must be the absolute priority. I repeat my call and that of the Commissioner for any person, including any member of the clergy, who has any knowledge of such abuse to contact An Garda Síochána.