'No words from government can make up for the theft of childhood' - State Apology to Waterford victims of Bill Kenneally
Brave men: Survivors of Bill Kenneally who waived their anonymity in the Dáil last week for the delivery of the state's apology.
(Read the full story HERE)
Last Tuesday, survivors and their families gathered in the Dáil’s Distinguished Visitors’ Gallery directly behind An Taoiseach’s seat, and in the surrounding gallery which overlooks the floor, for the delivery of the state’s apology, led by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Opening the address, the Ceann Comhairle welcomed the survivors, their families, and their legal representatives from Phoenix Law.
The Taoiseach was first to speak.
“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.
“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, however, acknowledge the failings that led to these awful outcomes in recognition of the horrific experiences, the bravery of his victims and also to ensure it can never happen again.”
The Taoiseach made clear that the apology was addressed to each and every victim of Kenneally; those who have waived their anonymity, the 22 people who engaged with the commission while wishing to remain anonymous, and the men who decided “silently and understandably that they did not wish to give evidence about how they were abused”.
“To those unknown men, I extend a deep and sincere apology. I want to acknowledge all of these victims.”
"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 Kenneally's victims. Their fight to ensure that there was a public inquiry has been fully vindicated.
"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.”
The Taoiseach, in his address, acknowledged one of the starkest findings uncovered by the Commission of Investigation; the failures of An Garda Siochána in Waterford to apprehend Kenneally when they had the chance.
This serious failure of gardaí to investigate the matter properly had devastating consequences for victims.
The Taoiseach said it was a “major failing by an organ of the state that cannot be downplayed”.
He said he is aware that some victims have initiated proceedings against An Garda Siochána over this dereliction of duty.
"I would like to see those, and any future proceedings resolved as quickly and as fairly as possible," he said.
In a statement circulated on Tuesday evening from Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, he stated that he acknowledges and regrets the serious inaction of the former Acting Chief Superintendent, Sean Cashman, and Acting Superintendent, PJ Hayes, who were in charge of the original investigation into Bill Kenneally in 1987.
Commissioner Kelly offered a personal apology to the victims, saying that An Garda Siochana “fell far short” of what is expected.
There was strong speculation prior to the state apology as to whether or not the failings of Bill Kenneally’s uncle and cousin, both former Fianna Fáil TDs, would be acknowledged by the Taoiseach.
The Kenneally family were described by Judge White in his report as a “political dynasty”, and one that was perhaps unparallel in Irish political life.
For a period of 59 years, the 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 knew about the abuse perpetrated by their relative, however, they both failed to raise it with the relevant authorities.
The Taoiseach said last week that the commission’s 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."
The Taoiseach issued a warning to public representatives:
“Bitter experience has taught Irish society that sexual exploitation of children can come from all sources. Mr. Justice White’s report reminds us of the importance of listening, empathy and engagement when victims of sexual abuse do come forward. Victims may have tried to raise their plight in the past and not been dealt with in a sensitive manner.
“This burden can weigh heavily upon them and lead to suspicion and mistrust if contact is not sustained once allegations are received. I urge all public officials to be aware of this and strive to keep victims fully informed on an ongoing basis."
Minister Mary Butler also named the two Kenneally TDs during the apology last week.
“Whether they stayed silent, failed to act or actively sought to conceal the truth, their conduct was inexcusable and unacceptable by any standard then and now.”
Survivors expressed relief that both Brendan and Billy were named in the Dáil address.
Colin Power said it was “a big moment that the two Kenneally’s were held to account for their inactions”.
The South Eastern Health Board (SEHB) are another organisation that failed the victims.
The SEHB operated from 1970. In 2005, it was dissolved and superseded by the HSE.
The failure of the SEHB, to act on child protection, was a lost opportunity to stop Bill Kenneally’s continuing illegal activity and to produce accountability much earlier than 2012.
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, said to the survivors: “The South Eastern Health Board should have acted on the report prepared by Dr. Geraldine Nolan on 6 March 1989. That should have happened. That finding weighs heavily on me. It will weigh heavily on my predecessors and all those in the health system because that failure involved real people and real lives.
“For survivors, that failure came at a human cost and today, we must confront that truth.”
