North inner city and Mary Boyle case
Deputy McDonald challenges the Taoiseach over consultation on the north inner city task force and asks about his planned visit, then raises concerns about alleged political interference in the Mary Boyle disappearance. The Taoiseach says the task force arrangements are advancing, describes meeting the Doherty family, and says the Garda special investigative unit is reviewing the case.
Did I hear the Taoiseach correctly when he said he has agreed terms of reference for the task force for the north inner city? He led us to believe at every stage that there would be a form of consultation with the local community in respect of those terms of reference. He has clearly reneged on that. Can he tell us what he will be doing in the north inner city tomorrow, where he will be going and whether he is proposing to launch these terms of reference?
On a second issue-----
Comment on this
If the Ceann Comhairle does not mind me observing, others raised two.
Comment on this
Well, mine is reasonably good. They did not. The Deputy can raise the issue but we will not deal with it.
Comment on this
I will raise it nonetheless. I have previously raised the case of Mary Boyle, a young child who disappeared in County Donegal some 40 years ago, with the Taoiseach. Public disquiet about this matter is growing. There is a suggestion of political interference in the investigation of that child's disappearance. The Taoiseach knows that her twin sister, Ann Doherty, and people around her are most dissatisfied with the level of co-operation and support they have received in respect of this case. Will the Taoiseach again meet with Ann Doherty and exert whatever influence he has in moving these matters forward and certainly in respect of others elected to this House in respect of co-operating if there is any suggestion of political cover up and interference?
Comment on this
I had a very good meeting with the Doherty family. Arising from that, I sent an official report to the Garda inspector dealing with the report into the gardaí themselves. I understand that since then, the special investigative unit is looking afresh at this case. Mary Boyle disappeared 40 years ago. Her remains were never found and it would be a source of great consolation to her family were the case to be concluded.
I hope to make an announcement about a further visit to the inner city as I have been down there on a few occasions in the past few weeks. I will advise Deputy McDonald of the information I have in respect of developments, as I said to Deputy Howlin earlier.