We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Inquiry into Fr Niall Molloy’s death

Summary

Senator Leyden seeks a Seanad discussion on the unfulfilled promise of an inquiry into Fr Niall Molloy’s death; the Chair rebukes him for referring to the Judiciary.

I compliment our colleagues, Senator John Kelly and Senator John Whelan, and Noel Walsh, personal assistant to Senator John Kelly, for organising a very useful meeting yesterday in the audio visual room on the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of the late Fr. Niall Molloy, who was my local priest in Castlecoote, Fuerty, in 1985. A commitment was given by the then Deputies Pat Rabbitte and Alan Shatter that they would hold an inquiry into this matter if elected to Government. That commitment has not been honoured. I ask the Leader to arrange a discussion in the House with the appropriate Minister to honour a commitment he gave and which impressed the family of the late Fr. Niall Molloy, whose life was cut short at a very early age in Clara, County Offaly, by the alleged murder, and the alleged cover-up of his murder by the State. I compliment the late Veronica Guerin and Ms Gemma O'Doherty, senior feature writer with the Irish Independent, who is pursuing this issue. Justice has not been done for the late Fr. Niall Molloy, who was a man of the highest integrity. He was a priest in the diocese of Elphin who served as chaplain with the Army at home and abroad. His memory, integrity and innocence should be vindicated by this State. The State owes it to him and his family. I attended the meeting yesterday until I was called to a vote in the House at 3 p.m. I also had to attend for a debate with the Minister for Children, Deputy Fitzgerald. Now is the time for an explanation of the circumstances surrounding the case and of the question mark about Judge Frank Roe, the then President of the Circuit Court, taking the case when he knew the families involved.

Comment on this
Denis O'Donovan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

Senator, sometimes you abuse your powers here. You are naming people-----

Comment on this

Frank is gone to his eternal reward.

Comment on this
Denis O'Donovan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

With all due respect, you are a senior Senator in this House and a Senior Member of the Oireachtas but you sometimes take a step too far. Calling for an explanation about a member of the Judiciary is a step too far.

Comment on this

He is gone to his eternal reward.

Comment on this