IRELAND
Irish Examiner
By Neans McSweeney, South-East Correspondent
THE Diocese of Ferns is to consider selling the Bishop’s Palace as it struggles to meet mounting clerical sexual abuse compensation claims.
Diocesan spokesman Fr John Carroll last night confirmed the future use of assets owned by the Church would be discussed at a special meeting of the 10-member Diocesan Finance Committee tonight in Enniscorthy.
“The bishop will address the diocesan AGM. Included in that will be discussion on child sexual abuse claims and how they will be financed.
“The situation regarding the future use of non-parish fixed assets is on the agenda. We would hope to be in a position to issue a statement to parishes on Sunday and a media statement will follow,” Fr Carroll said.
The Bishop’s Palace, an imposing, two-storey building across from St Peter’s College on the edge of Wexford town, would fetch more than €2 million, according to local auctioneers.
Four bishops have lived in the building at Summerhill over the years, chief among them, Dr Brendan Comiskey, the former Bishop of Ferns who resigned over his handling of clerical sexual abuse in the diocese.