List of conditions by abuse inquiry chief
Mr Ryan, a senior counsel who took over from Ms Justice Laffoy, submitted his report to the department in recent days.
A spokeswoman for Education Minister Noel Dempsey said he had received the report and passed it on to the Government, which was considering it. It is expected to be raised in the Dáil some time after normal sittings resume following the Christmas break next Tuesday.
Ms Justice Laffoy’s report as outgoing chairwoman is also due to be published in the next fortnight. Commission secretary Brenda McVeigh said the document was with the printers and was on target for a new release date not later than January 30.
Much of the judge’s views on the workings of the commission are already known after correspondence was released last year revealing her growing concern at restrictions on its powers and resources, and her increasing frustration with Mr Dempsey.
She warned the minister repeatedly that he was obstructing the commission’s investigative committee, which had got no further than preparatory work, and eventually tendered her resignation, saying she had been put in an impossible position.
Her successor has made no public statements about how he envisages the stalled committee getting back to work, but it is understood he wants it to begin hearings, which will involve evidence from hundreds of victims and cross-examination by their accused, within months.
It is understood, however, that he has said it will not be possible to stick to the original deadline of May 2005 set down three years ago for the completion of hearings and compilation of a final report.
Ms McVeigh said the commission’s confidential committee was still on target to meet its deadline, also May 2005.
This committee, which is recording the experiences of victims in private without the participation of religious orders or accused individuals, has met at least 75% of the 1,100 witnesses who asked to tell their stories.
Hearings on vaccine trials on children in institutions, also being investigated by the commission, are still held up pending the outcome of a High Court challenge by retired microbiologist Professor Irene Hillary.
