Taoiseach Micheál Martin issues State apology to victims of Waterford paedophile
The Taoiseach issued an official apology on behalf of the State in the Dáil this afternoon
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has issued a State apology to the victims of Waterford paedophile Bill Kenneally.
It comes after the Commission of Investigation into Kenneally’s crimes found that there had been a “clear dereliction of duty” by An Garda Síochána in their handling of the case.
Many of Kenneally’s victims were present in the Dáil this afternoon as the Taoiseach issued an official apology on behalf of the State.
Deputy Martin started his speech by saying that the details of Kenneally's abuse make for “harrowing reading”.
He said that the former basketball coach’s crimes were “cruel and exploitative” and he was “manipulative and an expert at grooming of children by developing trust and affection”.
The Taoiseach said he is “profoundly sorry” that two Fianna Fáil public representatives failed to protect the survivors from Kenneally.
“The actions of three influential relatives – former TD Billy Kenneally Snr, Monsignor Shine and then T.D. Brendan Kenneally constituted a failure to bring the matter into the public domain or to report the matter to the relevant statutory agencies; a failure, in short, to protect children.
“There is no question about the duty public representatives have to put the safety of others first, and I repeat the fact that two TDs, Billy Kenneally Snr and Brendan Kenneally failed in that duty to the victims of Bill Kenneally.”
Deputy Martin said that Kenneally’s actions were “common knowledge” in the 1980s and criticised the way in which members of An Garda Síochána handled allegations made in 1987.
“The likelihood that these allegations were only the tip of the iceberg ... should have been acknowledged and should have prompted a much more active and committed response,” he said.
The Taoiseach apologised “unreservedly on behalf of the State” for what he described as “a major failing of an organ of the State that cannot be downplayed”.
“No words from Government can make up for the theft of childhood from so many young boys, for the appalling abuse they suffered, and the enormous trauma they have experienced in their lives as a result.
“We must acknowledge the failings that led to these awful outcomes, in recognition of the horrific experiences, the bravery of his victims, and also to ensure that it can never happen again.”
He noted that many of the victims were present in the Dáil with their families.
“You waived your anonymity in order to ensure that the heinous crimes of Bill Kenneally were exposed and that other young boys were protected.
“I want to apologise to those men, Jason Clancy, Paul Walsh, Kevin Keating, Colin Power, Barry Murphy, Simon O'Toole and Gerard Mulane.”
Deputy Martin also apologised to those who remained anonymous, and gave evidence to the commission.
There were 22 men who did so, and the Taoiseach said all understand and respect the decision to remain anonymous.
He also apologised to the “unknown men” who have never come forward.
Tánaiste Simon Harris, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns also made contributions and commended Kenneally’s victims for their bravery.
Kenneally died in prison at the age of 75 last month.
He was 10 years into his 19-year sentence for the indecent assault of 15 young boys in Waterford between 1979 and 1990.
His death came just over a week after the publication of a report investigating the State response to his crimes.