"Full apology owed to victims in Kenneally case" 

A Waterford TD has said a full apology is owed to the victims in the Bill Kenneally case and that the Taoiseach and Minister for Justice should meet with them in person to deliver it.

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Deputy David Cullinane has called on the Taoiseach and Minister for Justice to meet with survivors and victims of the convicted paedophile in the aftermath of the findings of the South East Independent Commission of Investigation.

He added that the Government should offer a full State apology for the failure of the Gardaí, State institutions, and political actors to investigate and stop the abuse which was happening in the 80s and 90s, and which those authorities knew about.

Commenting on the matter Deputy Cullinane said: "The survivors and victims of Bill Kenneally were desperately failed by the Gardaí, by the State, and by the political establishment of the 80s and 90s, who were seriously derelict in their duty to protect the public."

“The publication of the Final Report of the South East Independent Commission is a welcome step in the process towards full transparency and accountability for these severe failings, which allowed a grotesque monster to continue to abuse young boys for several decades, despite clear evidence of concern and even admissions from the perpetrator," said Deputy Cullinane, who also said he will be meeting with the survivors in the case.

“I will be meeting with the survivors and victims to hear their voices in this and to listen to the steps they want taken next," he said.

"It is essential that the voices and opinions of survivors and victims are heard by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice while they are considering the next steps, and they should meet with them as soon as possible," he said.

“This group of people were tragically failed in the most horrific way," he added.

"They deserve a full apology from the State for the severe failings which they have suffered the consequences of".