The following is the text of Mr Justice O'Flaherty's letter to Mr Eoin Ryan, the chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Affairs:
Dear Mr Ryan,
I received the Chief Justice's report on the circumstances of the Sheedy Case late yesterday afternoon. I entirely accept the facts stated in it in so far as they concern my own actions.
The report contains much material from a number of sources, some of it going back almost twelve months before my involvement which is new to me.
I wish to take this, the earliest possible opportunity, to express my deep regret for my own inappropriate and unwise action. Despite my humanitarian motivation (which the Chief Justice has very fairly acknowledged) I accept that this action has left my position open to misinterpretation and in that way damaged the administration of Justice. I am determined to do all I can to redress this damage.
I am now concerned fully to explain my position, especially in light of the many aspects of the case, new to me, which the Chief Justice's report has elicited. I do this in an attempt to dispel as far as possible the doubt and suspicion which has accumulated around the Sheedy case in the interests of the community, justice and in my own interest.
To that end, and in view of the widespread concern and many questions surrounding the case, I request if it is thought appropriate, to make a statement to the Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Affairs and to answer any and all questions its members may raise.
I stress that my attendance would be entirely voluntary and at my own request. It would not, therefore, create any problem relating to the Constitutional separation of Powers that I can see.
Whatever the Oireachtas decides to do in response to the Chief Justice's report, I am extremely anxious that there should be no remaining question or doubt that I can answer or dispel. I would therefore ask, that, before any further step is taken, the Committee accept a full statement from me and allow me the opportunity to respond to their questions.
I believe that in the extraordinary circumstances of the case this course of action is in the public interest, the interest of Justice and public confidence as well as my own interest.
Yours Sincerely, Hugh O'Flaherty