Today is a very important day because the State has finally and formally apologised to the survivors of Bill Kenneally's abuse. Those who should have been protected were instead failed in the most profound and devastating way. No apology can undo the harm that was done. I pay tribute to the extraordinary courage of the survivors and their families, whose determination made this day possible. You do not need me to tell you, but today is a day of vindication for those abused by this vile, calculating, predatory paedophile who was protected by people who knew better and by institutions whose duty it was to protect children. Instead, they acted to shield a predator and a political dynasty. This full and formal State apology to the survivors of Bill Kenneally has been a long time coming. It is a recognition of the persistence and bravery of you men who are here in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery and those who are not here today. Those of you who refused to give up in your pursuit of truth and justice, I thank you for what you have done. I thank you for your courage and for your power. I also want to acknowledge your families and those who have supported you on this journey. We must ensure, as legislators in this place and as a society more broadly, that no individual or institution is ever regarded as untouchable again and that no child or vulnerable person will ever be failed in this way again. I particularly welcome the acknowledgement in the State apology that the response in terms of the investigation by An Garda Síochána was wholly inadequate. It has been a long and difficult road for the men who fought for justice. Their bravery and determination deserves to be recognised by this House today. Their families and friends also deserve enormous credit for standing beside them throughout this search for justice. Bill Kenneally died in prison, where he belonged, last month, serving a 19-year sentence for his crimes against children in Waterford. However, he lived a long life free from the consequences of his crimes before the walls finally closed in on him. I encourage anyone who has suffered abuse to come forward. You deserve to be heard; you deserve justice. No longer can this State or our society allow perpetrators to hide in the shadows. The days of deference to the powerful and well-connected must be over. The days of impunity, silence and cover-up must never be allowed to return. I really hope that today's apology and this recognition and acknowledgement bring some measure of light after decades of trauma and anguish. I hope it brings vindication, and that you can begin to leave this long fight behind and look forward to the future

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