IRELAND
Irish Emigrant
Following the report into the response to allegations of clerical child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Ferns, a similar State-commissioned investigation into the Dublin Archdiocese is beginning. The 18-month inquiry will follow up on a representative sample of allegations made against 67 Dublin priests between 1975 and 2004. Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin has promised full co-operation with the investigation.
The four-member Commission of Investigation will be headed by Judge Yvonne Murphy, who sits in the Circuit Criminal Court. It will examine and report on the responses of the Catholic Church, the State and the public to allegations of child sex abuse. Judge Murphy has been asked to complete her report within 18 months. The inquiry can be directed by Minister of State for Children Brian Lenihan to extend its investigations to other dioceses if it appears that a bishop has not implemented the 1996 rules published by the Bishop's Advisory Committee on Child Sexual Abuse by Priests and Religious.