IRELAND
RTE News
25 October 2005 11:36
The Cabinet is to discuss the report of the State's first-ever inquiry into allegations that the Catholic Church covered up sexual abuse of young people by priests.
Ministers are expected to publish the findings of the investigation headed by the retired Supreme Court judge, Frank Murphy, into the Diocese of Ferns.
Three and a half years ago Bishop Brendan Comiskey resigned from Ferns in the wake of accusations that he had failed to protect children against the alleged serial rapist Father Sean Fortune, who took his own life in 1999 before standing trial.
Mr Justice Murphy was asked by Government to examine Church and State responses to this and other alleged cover-ups of clerical molestation.
His 271-page report will be presented to Government by the Minister for Children, Brian Lenihan.