IRELAND
The Meath Chronicle
Paul Murphy
THE Bishop of Meath Dr Michael Smith said that he had received three allegations against priests of the Meath diocese in active ministry since he had been appointed bishop in 1984.
These had been brought to the attention of the Garda for investigation, he said. Of the three priests accused none were convicted.
The number of civil actions pending or the number of civil actions paid out, if any, have not been released by the diocese.
The bishop was reacting to the publication of the Ferns Report on clerical abuse which, he said, made “sad and depressing reading for all of us, not least for bishops and priests.”
“The report details enormous pain and hurt caused by the sinful and criminal acts of priests. Words of apology are very inadequate in responding. We must humbly acknowledge that serious harm was done, leading to severe hurt and suffering being caused to so many”, he said in a statement.