Paul Murphy presses Taoiseach on allegations against Judge James O'Connor
Paul Murphy raised allegations of gross and sexist abuse of power by retired Kerry judge James O'Connor, citing testimonies from women in vulnerable family law cases and asking the Taoiseach for an update. He said he first raised the matter with the Taoiseach on 29 September and pressed why there had been no response two and a half months later.
Allegations raised in the Dáil
Murphy told the Dáil he had brought a number of testimonies from women in vulnerable positions who appeared before the judge, alleging he used his position to inappropriately pressurise and pursue them for sexual relationships. He described the conduct as gross and sexist abuse of power.
Request to the Taoiseach
Murphy recalled raising the case with the Taoiseach on 29 September, and quoted the Taoiseach as saying he was very concerned and would give further consideration and revert. He asked whether the Taoiseach had any information to revert with after two and a half months.
Investigative and procedural limits
Contributions in the debate noted that the Gardaí were involved in the matter and questioned how far the issue could be pursued in the chamber, with speakers acknowledging some steps were beyond their remit.
Vetting and safeguards for vulnerable people
The Minister of Justice has set up an interdepartmental group to examine Garda vetting legislation and arrangements, including consideration of homeless outreach services and the potential for periodic re-vetting. The group’s recommendations are expected to shape any amendments to the vetting regime.
Media reporting cited
Speakers referenced articles in the Village Magazine as part of the public record of concerns raised about the judge’s conduct.
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I echo that point made by Deputy Boyd Barrett, I think there is a serious issue there. I want to raise with the Taoiseach a case I have raised a number of times with him, which is the gross and sexist abuse of power by retired Kerry judge James O'Connor. I have brought a number of testimonies to the Dáil of women in vulnerable positions before him on family law matters and where he used his position to completely inappropriately pressurise and pursue them for sexual relationships. When I raised this with the Taoiseach on the 29th of September, the Taoiseach said I am very concerned about it and about what I have read today in the articles the Deputy mentioned. I will give further consideration to this and revert to the Deputy. It is now two and a half months on and I wonder does the Taoiseach have any information to revert with? Thank you. Deputy Morphy, I think, raised the issue. I am not sure how far we can take this now. I am not sure where we can take it. I am not sure how far we can take it, given the fact that I think the Gardaí were involved. It is not for me, but first of all, I commend you for raising it. I know it is in the Village Magazine as well. But the steps that remain to be taken or can be taken are the ones I think that are beyond my remit at this stage. Deputy Mayor Callaghan on safeguarding and vulnerable adults, I think you are making very consistent and fair points in relation to this. I know that there is work being done in relation to Gardaí vetting, for example, and extending that to cover all homeless sector workers. In the light of recent issues, Gardaí commissioner Harris has acknowledged the need to address the issues of vetting people working with homeless needs, and this might require a review of the legislative provisions. As part of an overall approach to the reform of an extension of the Gardaí vetting regime, the Minister of Justice has set up an interdepartmental group to examine vetting legislation and arrangements. The group is examining a number of issues, including the inclusion of homeless outreach services. Its recommendations then will shape any amendments to the vetting legislation and process, including those required to commence periodic re-vetting. The group is specifically examining any amendments that may be required to remove any doubt that outreach and other services for homeless people who are vulnerable or covered by the vetting regime. The group is now at a majority of theыпjuven and a plural group of women who have provided us to offer more and more information. That's not only what we're doing , not only what we unfortunately say by the vetting. The group is currently seeing any amendments on the left. The group is now at a number of issues that are distributed by the vetting. The group is now at a number of issues that are distributed by the vetting. The group is now at a number of issues that are not distributed by the vetting.
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