Ahern receives Archdiocese report

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Dermot Ahern has this evening confirmed that he has today received a report from the Commission of Investigation into Child Sexual Abuse dealing with the Dublin Archdiocese.

The Minister said: “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.”

The law under which the Commission was established provides that, if the 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 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.

The Minister is now referring the report to the Attorney General for advice on how best to proceed.

Ahern said that he is determined that this matter will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

The Minister added: “I am also forwarding a copy of the report to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Mr Barry Andrews TD.”

The Minister thanked Judge Yvonne Murphy, Chairperson of the Commission, and her staff for their work.