The Independent TD said there was an “ongoing scandal surrounding the priest’s unresolved murder” and that “all of the evidence points to a high-level cover-up of his death involving all institutions of the State, including elements of the gardai, the judiciary, politicians, the health service and the Catholic Church”.

The TD said the case “was fundamental to the pursuit of justice in our country in 2013” and that the Government “had to get to the bottom of the sordid affair”.

Fr Niall Molloy (52) was beaten to death in the Offaly mansion of his friends Therese and Richard Flynn in 1985 after a society party attended by senior members of Fianna Fail.

Three neuropathologists who examined his brain said he was left bleeding for up to six hours before help was sought.

Mr McGrath told the Dail that the priest’s watch was cracked and stopped at 10.40pm, but that the gardai were not contacted until 3.15am.

“What was happening during these vital hours?” he asked.

Calling for a “short, sharp independent inquiry”, the deputy said the initial garda probe was “a total shambles”.

Mr Kenny said he would “bring the facts raised to the attention of Minister (Alan) Shatter,” who is currently on tour in the Middle East.