Senator Bacik calls for Urgent Debate on the Failures of Criminal Justice System in Response to Murphy Report, and Disturbing Newsnight Report on Bill Carney
Order of Business
Senator Ivana Bacik: Will the Leader indicate when the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill is likely to come before the House? I am aware the legislation is still before a select committee and I understand an unprecedented number of amendments, some 700 in total, have been listed for the Bill. It is a matter of particular interest to learn when the legislation will come before the House as it is likely that we will need considerable time to deal with it.
I also ask for an urgent debate on failures in the criminal justice system in response to the revelations in the Murphy report and, in particular, in response to a disturbing report broadcast on the BBC “Newsnight” programme last night about convicted serial sex abuser, Bill Carney. Mr. Carney was described in the Murphy report as one of the most serious, serial sexual abusers investigated by the commission. He was convicted in 1983 of indecent assault and despite being defrocked in 1992, received a pay-out of £30,000 from the Catholic Church. The Murphy report indicated that his whereabouts are unknown but he is believed to be in Scotland. I understand a BBC team used Google to track him down to an address at 4 Murray Park, St. Andrews, Scotland, where for ten years—–
An Cathaoirleach: The Senator should not identify persons by name in the House. Is she referring to a case in another jurisdiction?
Senator Ivana Bacik: No, it relates to crimes that are alleged to have taken place in this jurisdiction.
An Cathaoirleach: The Senator should not refer to individuals by name as court cases may well arise.
Senator Ivana Bacik: The issue was discussed on television last night and the individual in question was convicted in 1983 in this jurisdiction. The Murphy commission indicates that 32 individuals made complaints or allegations against this man. A number of these complaints were made to the Garda. Questions need to be answered as to the reason this man was allowed to run a family friendly guesthouse in Scotland for ten years. He is now in the Canary Islands where the BBC team tracked him down. He can be in contact with children and families at all times and is not subject to monitoring. It also appears that no European arrest warrant has been issued for him. Questions must be asked in general about our criminal justice system and how this issue has been allowed to arise.
The Murphy report also refers to past collusion by Bishop James Kavanagh with senior gardaí which prevented this man being brought to justice and allowed many people to be abused, one of whom subsequently committed suicide.