Minister promises full State apology for victims of Bill Kenneally

Bill Kenneally: Currently serving a 19-year sentence for the indecent assault of 15 boys in Waterford between 1979 and 1990

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan has promised that a full State apology will be issued to the survivors of paedophile Bill Kenneally after meeting them.

Kenneally, a 75-year-old former basketball coach and accountant, is currently serving a 19-year sentence for the indecent assault of 15 boys in Waterford between 1979 and 1990. The South East Commission of Investigation’s report notes that the number of victims is likely to be far higher.

A report into how gardaí handled allegations against Kenneally in the 1980s found the investigations were “unprofessional, rushed, and inappropriate”.

Mr O'Callaghan on Tuesday met with some of Kenneally's victims, along with their families and legal representatives.

At the meeting, Mr O'Callaghan apologised to the victims for the wholly inadequate investigation by An Garda Síochána in 1987 and for the clear dereliction of duty by Chief Superintendent Sean Cashman and Acting Superintendent PJ Hayes.

Mr O'Callaghan confirmed that following his recent discussions with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, a memorandum to Government will go to Cabinet shortly which will commence the formal process of offering Kenneally's victims a full and formal State apology, which he said they rightly deserve. 

The minister intends to bring the final report of the Commission of Investigation to the Dáil for debate as a priority.

Mr O'Callaghan also told the victims that he had accepted the recommendation of Judge Michael White to refer to the Law Reform Commission for assessment on whether misconduct in public office should be established as a separate statutory offence.