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	Priest Accused of Child Abuse Flees Parish By Dara deFaoite Irish Independent October 26, 2006 http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1712035&issue_id=14803 A Priest has fled his parish amidst allegations of child sexual abuse. Locals say they have not seen the priest in the small, rural parish for almost two-weeks now. According to senior church officials, Fr Peter Cribbins, who is serving as a priest in the parish of Rhode, Co Offaly, has taken administrative leave while an investigation into allegations against him takes place. "We have not seen Fr Cribbins around the town for almost two weeks now and it is very upsetting to hear of this investigation," said one local yesterday. Locals were unsure of Fr Cribbins' whereabouts for the first week of his absence, but it has since emerged he now is the subject of an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse. A statement from the Kildare and Leighlin diocesan office said the gardai and the Health Service Executive has been informed of the investigation. "On being advised of an allegation of child sexual abuse and in accordance with diocesan procedures and the church's child protection policy, a priest of the diocese has taken administrative leave since October 15, 2006," said Fr Micheal Murphy, Diocesan Communications Officer. "His agreement to stand aside should not be interpreted as implying guilt on his part. The gardai and the Health Services Executive have been informed," said Fr Murphy. "The allegation, which has not been determined as true or false, is now under investigation. "The diocese has made offers of appropriate counselling to all parties concerned," said Fr Micheal Murphy, Diocesan Communications Officer.
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