IRELAND
Irish Health
[Posted: Tue 25/10/2005]
The Ferns Inquiry report is critical of two former Bishops of Ferns, the then South Eastern Health Board and the Gardai under various headings in relation to allegations of child sexual abuse by priests in the diocese from the 1960s to the present day
The report has found that there were 100 allegations relating to 21 priests in the diocese over this period, including 26 complaints against one individual.
The inquiry report has said it has not adjudicated on the truth or otherwise of the allegations made and says there was no evidence placed before the inquiry of the operation of a paedophile ring in Ferns or any clerical institution within that diocese.
The inquiry is critical of Bishop Herlihy, who was Bishop from 1964 to 1983 and says his failure to take even basic precautions to protect children was an inadequate and inappropriate response, and he recognised that child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence.
His successor, Bishop Comiskey is also criticised. The report says his request for priests to attend for assessment and if necessary treatment was an appropriate response.
However, he was 'unable or unwilling' to implement the advice received and the inquiry has some evidence that he may not have passed a full history to medical experts.