Abuse survivors welcome inquiry into gardaí investigation

The solicitor acting for four victims of convicted Waterford paedophile Bill Kenneally has welcomed the appointment of retired Circuit Court judge Barry Hickson to an inquiry into An Garda Síochána’s handling of the investigation.

Gardaí knew about the abuse allegations in 1987, but Mr Kenneally was not prosecuted until survivors made a complaint to gardaí in 2012.

He was eventually jailed last year for 14 years and 2 months.

Four of Mr Kenneally’s victims, campaigning for an inquiry, had presented Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald with a dossier detailing alleged systemic failings and deliberate inaction by garda.

Jason Clancy, one of ten boys abused by Mr Kenneally, said: “We are delighted with both the reaffirmation from the Minister of Justice that the Government are proceeding with the inquiry and the appointment of retired judge Barry Hickson to lead the inquiry.

“This is a great day for all of Bill Kenneallys’ victims and we now look forward to getting to the bottom of this horrid affair in due course.”

Belfast solicitor Darragh Mackin of KRW Law added: “After almost eight months, our clients have today been vindicated by the Minister’s decision to conduct a commission of investigation.

“This decision is a true testament to the hard work by our clients’, and their wider campaign, in ensuring that the truth would be uncovered.

“We now look forward to actively engaging with the Inquiry to ensure that the truth is uncovered in an effective and expeditious manner, and that those who were involved and complicit in this myriad of failings are identified.”