CHAIR APPOINTED TO HEAD MCELWEE INQUIRY

Date Published: 17-Jul-2007

Independent management consultant Conal Devine has been appointed to head up the Niall McElwee inquiry.

It will investigate how Dr. McElwee managed to retain his position as head of the Centre for Child and Youth Care Learning at Athone IT, despite the fact that he had been convicted of attempted indecent assault in the Netherlands in 2005.

Both the Gardai and the HSE were aware of the conviction but Athlone IT only became aware of the offence when Dr. McElwee brought it to the attention of college authorities before he resigned two weeks ago.

It also emerged that the lecturer, who lives in Rockfield, Athenry, had worked in a centre for small children at risk in Salthill.

The Children’s Minister has welcomed today’s appointment.