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'Dark chapter' brought to close as State apologises to Joanne Hayes and family
Summary
The High Court heard the State's apology to Joanne Hayes and her family regarding the Kerry Babies case, concluding a settlement of damages actions. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds described the events as a "travesty" and a "dark chapter" in Irish history. The damages actions against the Garda Commissioner, the Minister for Justice, Ireland, and the Attorney General were struck out, while proceedings against the DPP were discontinued. The court issued declarations that all tribunal findings of wrongdoing against the family were unfounded and incorrect. It further declared that the family's questioning, arrest, charge, and prosecution between April and October 1984 were unfounded and breached their constitutional rights. A separate damages claim by Yvonne McGuckin was also settled and struck out. The court noted that the family's arrest, interrogation, detention, and charge were improper after a May 1984 blood test confirmed Ms Hayes was not the mother of baby John. The State expressed deep regret for the hurt caused, reiterating a 2018 apology. The declarations will be permanently attached to the tribunal report in the Oireachtas Library to ensure the accuracy of the public record. The family stated the resolution vindicates their good names after more than 35 years.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Dark chapter' brought to close as State apologises to Joanne Hayes and family. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 1984 Incident
- October 1984 Incident
- April 13, 1984 Other
- 2020-12-18 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: Their arrest, interrogation, detention and charge were improper after a blood test in May 1984 made it clear that she was not the mother of baby John, the High Court heard.
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