A Commission of Investigation set up to examine the treatment of convicted paedophile Bill Kenneally has found a serious dereliction of duty on behalf of the Gardaí.

The report also recommends politicians establish a new crime of misconduct in public office.

The failure by gardaí to conduct a proper investigation into the activities of Bill Kenneally, was a clear and serious dereliction of duty even by 1987 standards.

So found the Commission of Investigation headed by former judge Michael White.

Convicted paedophile Kenneally is serving 19 years in prison for the sexual abuse of young boys in Waterford from the late 70s through to the 90s.

The report found when gardaí investigated in the late 80s there was a judgmental and hierarchical view taken - while no effort was made to contact child protection services.

It found Kenneally received objectively favorable treatment.

The report found no evidence the powerful Kenneally political dynasty interfered with the Garda investigation - however it criticised Bill Kenneally's uncles - former TD Billy Kenneally and Monsignor John Shine, for not making Fianna Fáil, Kenneally's basketball club, or the wider public aware of his actions or any further danger to children.