A politician who is close to the Hayes family at the centre of the Kerry Babies controversy has said any potential fresh investigation into how gardaí obtained signed statements about what happened should only take place if it leaves the family alone. Asked specifically if he feels a new investigation into how gardaí obtained signed statements from the Hayes family at the time of the case, Mr Flanagan said: “Yes. However, speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Brassil — who knows the Hayes family — said any such investigation must only occur if it leaves the Hayes family alone and does not subject them to further traumatic “interrogation”. “My own view on whether there is merit in another investigation into the signed statements is that it should only happen with the full consent of the Hayes family. “I don’t believe that full consent will be immediately forthcoming, so any investigation should not involve the Hayes family.

Source: Irish Examiner January 19, 2018 00:11 UTC