The Government looks set to establish a commission of investigation into matters surrounding the convicted child abuser and former basketball coach Bill Kenneally.

Kenneally is serving a 14-year sentence after pleading guilty to the abuse of a number of boys in Waterford in the 1980s.

Victims have raised concerns with the Tánaiste over whether there was a cover up, and whether all the details of the case have been revealed.

Frances Fitzgerald told her Cabinet colleagues today that a statutory inquiry into how the case was handled by state agencies 'may be appropriate'.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Tánaiste said: "In view of the fact that Garda investigations into more recent complaints are still ongoing, the Tánaiste is anxious not to impinge on the rights of other victims to have their complaints fully considered and, if possible, prosecuted.

"Therefore the Tánaiste intends to consult with the Attorney General to consider the effects of establishing a Commission of Investigation with a view to supporting all of the victims involved in having their complaints heard and their rights vindicated."

The statement added: "Following these consultations, the Tánaiste hopes to be in a position to make more definitive proposals to Government in relation to these cases."

Speaking to Newstalk Drive, Jason Clancy - who triggered the Garda investigation into the abuse - is welcoming the intention to establish an investigation.

"It is good news for us - we have been campaigning for the last year to get this investigation," he explained.

"There's a number of questions to be honest. We compiled a dossier and presented it to the Minister last November. From that dossier she went to Gardaí [...] Obviously the details that were provided by the Waterford Gardaí, they weren't happy with."