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The Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced her decision to appoint Mr Justice Michael White as the member of the Commission of Investigation which is investigating the extent to which organisations, including State bodies, and individuals were aware of the child sexual abuse committed by Bill Kenneally during the 1980s.
Mr Justice Barry Hickson, who is the current sole member of the Commission, will be stepping down with effect from 30 June. Mr Justice Michael White will become the sole member from 1 July.
Speaking following today’s cabinet meeting, Minister of State with special responsibility for Civil and Criminal Justice, Hildegarde Naughton TD, said:
"Minister Humphreys today informed cabinet of her decision to appoint Mr Justice Michael White as the member of the Commission of Investigation. I would like to thank Judge White for agreeing to take on this vital work with the Commission.
"I would also like to thank Mr Justice Barry Hickson for the important work he has undertaken since being appointed to the Commission in June 2018, and I would like to offer him and his family my best wishes for the future."
The Order establishing the Commission (S.I. No. 311/2018) authorises the Minister for Justice to appoint the member of the Commission in accordance with section 7(2)(a) of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004.