asked the Minister for Justice if, in the light of a number of developments in the case of the death of Fr. Niall Molloy in Clara, County Offaly in July 1985 he will request the Garda to reopen their investigations into the case; if, at the time legal proceedings were initiated arising from the death of Fr. Molloy the Garda were aware of the existence of an insurance policy on his life, which names Mrs. Therese Flynn as the beneficiary and which inaccurately named her as a sister of Fr. Molloy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Developments In County Offaly Case.
54.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the position is still as indicated in the statement issued on his behalf on 26 April 1988 — no official complaint or additional evidence has been received by the Garda in this matter. Should such a complaint be made, or should additional evidence be forthcoming, it will be considered.
With regard to the second part of the question, it is not the practice for Ministers for Justice to make statements to the House concerning details of Garda investigations except in singular instances where the circumstances are so exceptional that such a course is deemed appropriate. I do not propose to depart from this practice in this instance on the basis of certain reports that have recently appeared in the media.