IRELAND
Irish Health
[Posted: Thu 27/10/2005]
The planned inquiry into clerical sexual abuse allegations in the Dublin diocese may now be extended to the whole country.
According to Minister of State at the Department of Health Brian Lenihan, priority is now being given to confirming, as a matter of urgency, that the arrangements now in place in Ferns on dealing with clerical abuse allegations are being implemented throughout the country.
He said a final decision on expanding the scope of the inquiry in Dublin will be decided by the Government following correspondence between the Department of Health and the Irish BishopÕs Conference to seek confirmation that child protection measures agreed some years ago are in place in all dioceses.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the Dail yesterday that the priority now must be to protect children now and for the future.