Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 611: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform when a report (details supplied) will be published; if the Garda completed its investigations into outstanding claims of abuse and submitted all files to the Director of Public Prosecutions; the information submitted by the DPP to the Garda to date as to whether prosecutions are to be initiated and if a determination has been made to close any files and not initiate prosecutions and the number of such files and allegations involved. [1596/11]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 provides that, if the specified Minister considers that the publication of a report from a commission might prejudice any criminal proceedings that are pending or in progress, the Minister must apply to the High Court for directions concerning the publication of the report. If, after hearing the application, the High Court considers that the publication might prejudice any criminal proceedings, it may direct that the report or a specified part of it be not published for a specific period or until the court otherwise directs.

Following receipt of the report dealing with the Diocese of Cloyne from the Commission of Investigation into Child Sexual Abuse, I immediately referred the report to the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána so that I am in a position to consider the discharge of my responsibilities under the Act.

I am anxious that the matters dealt with in the report are put into the public domain as quickly as possible. Equally, I am concerned that nothing should be done which would harm the prospects of the perpetrators of these horrific acts of depravity against children being brought to the justice they deserve.

I have requested from An Garda Síochána the information sought by the Deputy regarding investigations. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is available.