Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 March 2013
159. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider an independent inquiry into the death of Father Niall Molloy in Clara, County Offaly, in 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13287/13]
View answerI am advised by the Garda authorities that the examination surrounding the circumstances of the death of Father Niall Molloy is almost complete and that a report of this examination will be submitted to the Commissioner in the coming weeks. Upon receipt of a report from the Commissioner I will review the situation. I understand that the officers carrying out the examination are continuing to keep the family members of the deceased updated on progress. While I fully appreciate the concerns of the family, in any case where criminal behaviour is suspected it is only through a Garda investigation, and where evidence of criminal wrongdoing is available through the submission of a file by the Gardaí to the Director of Public Prosecutions, that persons can be brought fully to account. Therefore, I hope that the Deputy will agree that, in the first instance, we need to allow the present Garda examination to proceed to its conclusion.
