Overview
- The Commission of Investigation published its 419‑page final report on Tuesday, June 9, and found a “clear and serious dereliction of duty” by a senior Garda in handling allegations against Bill Kenneally.
- The inquiry concluded that by late 1987 gardaí had enough evidence to arrest Kenneally and to search his home and car, including possession of Polaroid images of naked boys, but no arrest or search was carried out.
- The Commission found no evidence of widespread State collusion, noted that the senior officer accepted responsibility, and said there was no proof he acted out of corruption or self‑interest.
- Survivors who waived anonymity said they feel vindicated and demanded a “massive” state apology while criticising the Justice Minister for giving them only 24 hours to read the report before publication.
- The report calls for urgent law reform to address the absence of an offence for misconduct by omission, asks the Law Reform Commission to examine the issue, and requires An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice to review policing and accountability practices.