Taoiseach says no evidence of Fianna Fáil cover-up in Bill Kenneally abuse case, but state agencies failed victims
Micheál Martin described Bill Kenneally's crimes as 'reprehensible and horrific' but said a commission report found no evidence of a Fianna Fáil conspiracy, even as it detailed failures by gardaí and family members in Waterford.
Report findings
A commission of investigation report published this week examined how state agencies handled allegations against Bill Kenneally, a serial child sex abuser. The retired high court judge Michael White found that gardaí in Waterford failed to act properly when a victim's father brought the abuse to their attention in November 1987. Kenneally subsequently admitted abusing seven boys during an interview with then chief superintendent Sean Cashman and inspector PJ Hayes on December 30, 1987. The report describes how the investigation 'started to go badly wrong' from that point, noting it was 'unusual' that Cashman contacted Kenneally's uncle, former Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kenneally, before the interview.
The central conclusion of the commission of investigation is that there was a failure on behalf of An Garda Síochána at the time in 1987 to deal adequately and properly with the presentation of issues and allegations.
Kenneally, a former basketball coach and accountant, is serving a 19-year sentence for indecent assault of 15 boys between 1979 and 1990, though the commission believes the true number of victims is likely far higher.
A political dynasty entangled
The Kenneally family formed a political dynasty in Waterford spanning almost six decades, with William Kenneally, his son Billy Senior, and grandson Brendan Kenneally all elected as TDs, senators, or councillors from 1952 to 2011. Bill Kenneally himself acted as a tallyman for the family and once claimed he was offered a chance at becoming mayor. The report said Billy Kenneally snr and another uncle, Monsignor John Shine, were aware of the abuse as early as 1987. Brendan Kenneally was told in 2001 yet still allowed his cousin to canvass for him until 2011. Without naming them, the Taoiseach said, 'The two former public representatives involved did wrong in the manner in which they addressed the issue.'
The report doesn’t implicate the Fianna Fáil party at all as an organisation and, in fact, makes the point that the Fianna Fáil party was not advised, even locally or in any shape or form, by any individual.
Government response and apology
Micheál Martin, speaking in Dublin on Saturday alongside Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, said the Dáil will debate the report comprehensively. The Government is considering a state apology to victims, with justice minister Jim O'Callaghan expected to meet survivors despite earlier criticism for not doing so before publication.
The government will be considering an apology, and any further actions.
The report made only one legislative recommendation: a new offence for significant dereliction of duty by state agents to bridge the gap between conduct unbecoming and perverting the course of justice.
Timeline of key events
- Kenneally begins indecently assaulting boys in Waterford; abuse continues through 1990.
- A victim's father brings allegations to Waterford gardaí.
- Kenneally admits abusing seven boys during garda interview; investigation subsequently mishandled.
- Brendan Kenneally is informed of his cousin’s abuse by a victim's partner but takes no action beyond a psychiatrist referral.
- Kenneally continues canvassing for Brendan Kenneally until the latter loses his Dáil seat.
- Commission of investigation established to examine handling of allegations.
- Final report presented to Cabinet.
- Taoiseach says report finds no Fianna Fáil cover-up and announces Dáil debate.
