Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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65. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to set up a commission of investigation into the handling of complaints against a person (details supplied). [21194/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, I met with four individualsin Leinster House in November 2016, where I had an opportunity to listen to their concerns first-hand and their request for the establishment of a Commission of Investigation into the handling of the complaints made by them which ultimately led to the conviction, in 2016, of the person referred to for sexual offences committed during the 1980’s in Waterford. I want to acknowledge the courage and determination of the individuals concerned in pursuing this matter as well as their entitlement to get answers to many of the serious questions surrounding the handling of their complaints.

I recently updated my Cabinet colleagues on my consideration of this matter and, in view of the serious questions raised about the actions and attitudes of various persons in positions of authority, I believe that the balance of the public interest may make it appropriate to move towards the establishment of a further inquiry into the handling of the case by State agencies, including An Garda Síochána, as well as the role of Church and other figures.

However, in view of the fact that Garda investigations into more recent complaints are still ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate that we must be careful not to impinge on the rights of other victims to have their complaints fully considered and, if appropriate, prosecuted, subject always to the due process rights of any suspects. Therefore I am consulting with the Attorney General to consider the effects of establishing a Commission of Investigation with a view to supporting all of the victims involved in having their complaints heard and their rights vindicated.

Following these consultations, I hope to be in a position to make more definitive proposals to Government in relation to this matter.