THE MURPHY report on clerical sex abuse in Dublin had revealed a cover-up, with the hierarchy in effect being given immunity by the Garda, Fine Gael’s spokesman on justice Charlie Flanagan told the Dáil.

“I welcome the comments made by the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, in the immediate aftermath of the report’s publication when he stated that nobody was above the law and appropriate investigations would take place with a view to criminal proceedings not only being issued but convictions being attained,” Mr Flanagan added.

Mr Ahern said it was important to recognise that the Murphy commission’s report described a 2002 Garda investigation as probably the most comprehensive into clerical sexual abuse ever undertaken in the State.

“It resulted in a number of files being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions and, following his directions, people have appeared before the courts charged with serious offences,” he added.

“Some of these cases are ongoing.”

Mr Ahern said that following the report’s publication, an assistant Garda commissioner had been asked to examine findings relating to the handling of complaints and investigations by church and State.

“After the Garda Commissioner has received the report of the assistant commissioner’s examination, he will consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions as to what issues arise in the context of criminal liability,” Mr Ahern added.