Key moments: Kenneally survivors receive State Apology
The victims of paedophile Bill Kenneally have received a State Apology.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said in Dáil Éireann this afternoon that the story of Bill Kenneally is one of betrayal, manipulation, abuse, failure and pain.
During his remarks, he acknowledged the failure of An Garda Siochana and senior Fianna Fáil politicians to prevent Kenneally from abusing children.
Also revealed during the address, is that some victims of Kenneally have initiated proceedings against An Garda Siochana for their dereliction of duty, and that the Department of Justice are preparing a redress scheme for Kenneally's victims.
Kenneally was a predatory sexual abuser operating in Waterford City and its environs.
For decades, he used his position in local sports; soccer, tennis and basketball, to lure in countless victims.
The scale of his abuse was catastrophic.
Abuse occurred routinely, for many years, against countless victims.
It was violent, depraved and had lifelong impacts on victims.
The State Apology delivered this afternoon comes a month after the publication of a landmark report which found that there was a serious dereliction of duty from Gardaí in responding to victims of Kenneally.
The report also criticised politicians, the Southeastern Health Board, senior members of the church and members of the public in Waterford in how they responded to serious and prolonged allegations of abuse against Bill Kenneally.
Kenneally died in prison just a week after the commission's report was published.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin offered a full apology to the victims and their families today in Dáil Eireann.
"To each of the victims here today and listening from home, I hope the apology I have issued to you on behalf of state, reassures you that the state acknowledge the harm that was done to you, the dereliction of duty that contributed to that harm, and our determination to do everything we can to ensure no other child has to go through what you went through.
"I want to recognise that we would not have this report, we would not have the truth and there would not be this state apology without the remarkable bravery and strength of Keneally's victims. Their fight to ensure that there was a public inquiry has been fully vindicated.
"There is a very real public benefit in recording what happened in Waterford. This report is a warning to all, of what can happen when people in positions of authority do not do their job."
The failings of senior An Garda Siochana members is one of the Commission’s starkest findings. The report found that there was a serious dereliction of duty on behalf of the Gardaí in how they responded to report of abuse against Bill Kenneally.
The serious failure to investigate the matter properly at this time had devastating consequences for victims.
During today's State Apology, Michéal Martin said:
"This has been a major failing by 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 experienced in their lives as a result.
"We must acknowledge the failings that led to these awful outcomes, in recognition of the horrific experiences, and the bravery, of his victims; and also to ensure that it can never happen again. As Taoiseach I apologise unreservedly on behalf of the state to the victims of Bill Kenneally for what was a clear and serious dereliction of duty.
The Taoiseach in his speech said he is aware that some victims have initiated proceedings against An Garda Siochana over its dereliction of duty.
"I would like to see those and any future proceedings resolved as quickly and as fairly as possible" he said.
For a period of 59 years, the Kenneally family represented Fianna Fáil as TDs, Senators, Mayors and Councillors.
Bill Kenneally’s uncle was former Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kenneally snr. Bill’s cousin is former Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Kenneally.
Both of these senior politicians failed to prevent Bill Kenneally from abusing children.
The Taoiseach said today that the report contained "serious findings against former members of this house."
"There is no question as to the duty public representatives have in putting the safety of others first.
"I repeat the fact that two TDs, Billy Kenneally Snr and Brendan Kenneally, failed in that duty to the victims of Bill Kenneally. They failed the victims by putting their own relative first.
"I am profoundly sorry that two former public representatives from my party so comprehensively failed to defend and protect young children from their nephew and cousin.
"Bitter experiences have taught Irish society, that sexual exploitation of children can come from all sources, and Judge White's report reminds us of the importance of listening, of empathy and engagement when victims of sexual abuse do come forward.
"Victims may have tried to raise their plight in the past and have not been dealt with in a sensitives manner. This burden can weight heavily upon them and lead to suspicion and mistrust if contact is not sustained once allegations are received. I would urge all public officials to be aware of this and strive to keep victims informed on an ongoing basis."
Redress for victims is underway, the Taoiseach said.
"For those victims who spoke to the commission, including those who wish to remain anonymous, officials in the Department of Justice are considering a means of providing redress outside of the legal process and will engage with victims directly in relation to this process." he said.
Read our Special Report on Kenneally's crimes HERE
