Bill Kenneally survivors to receive State apology

The Government will offer a full and formal State apology to the survivors of convicted paedophile Bill Kenneally.

It comes after a Commission of Investigation found there was a clear and serious dereliction of duty by senior gardaí when they learned Kenneally sexually abused a boy in the late 1980s.

Kenneally died in prison earlier this month while serving a 19-year sentence for the historic abuse of boys in Waterford.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will lead the full and formal State apology in the Dáil this afternoon.

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan will also address the chamber and apologise to victims for what he has described as the "wholly inadequate" investigation by gardaí into the convicted paedophile.

Sinn Féin Waterford TD David Cullinane has said Kenneally's victims were tragically failed in the most horrific way.

It is understood a group of 50 will travel to Leinster House to witness the apology from the Dáil's visitor's gallery, comprising of survivors and their families.

Speaking to RTÉ News last month, Mr O'Callaghan said: "I am the minister responsible for An Garda Síochána. That's why I apologised to them when they came into the Department of Justice to see me.

"I know they met the Taoiseach last week and he did the same and that's why there will be an apology."

However, Mr O'Callaghan rejected suggestions an apology should also be offered on behalf of Fianna Fáil.

This came after Government Chief Whip Mary Butler apologised after Kenneally canvassed for her during the 2020 General Election, including calling to a cousin of one of his survivors.

"If a senior person in an organisation does something wrong, the organisation does not become responsible for the wrongdoing," said Mr O'Callaghan.

He indicated an apology would be discussed if the party was "aware or endorsed the behaviour", which was not the case in relation to Fianna Fáil and Kenneally.

Read more: Truth about Bill Kenneally lay hidden for over 28 years