Mixed reaction to Laffoy replacement

THE appointment of senior counsel Sean Ryan as Justice Mary Laffoy’s replacement to chair the child abuse inquiry has received a mixed reaction from victim’s groups.

Education Minister Noel Dempsey named Mr Ryan as chairperson designate of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse yesterday, ahead of Ms Justice Laffoy’s resignation in November.

Mr Ryan, who will be made a High Court judge to give him complete independence, has also been asked to completely review the commission’s workings within two months. His recommendations will be brought to Government, which will then decide what changes, if any, should be made to laws governing the commission.