IRELAND
One in Four
A priest in the Kerry diocese has stood aside while a single complaint of “inappropriate behaviour” towards an adult is investigated by the gardai.
The Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy, last night confirmed the complaint. The allegation against the priest dates back more than 20 years, according to a statement issued by Kerry diocesan spokesman Fr Rory O’Sullivan. The Health Service Executive (HSE) had also been informed of the complaint, understood to involve a male.
Fr O’Sullivan said the priest had been active in ministry until the complaint was received. No statement was read out at weekend masses in his parish, but Bishop Murphy had met key people in the parish and informed them of the situation. Fr O’Sullivan said these people were asked to pass on the information to parishioners. Following publication of the Ferns Report in October, Bishop Murphy said no priest in active ministry in his diocese was currently under investigation. Fr O’Sullivan said the latest complaint was made in recent weeks.