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74 Dublin Priests Accused of Sex Abuse Archbishop Martin Reveals Claims Cost Church € 7.8m By Pat Flanagan Irish Daily Mirror [Ireland] May 2, 2007 http://www.oneinfour.org/news/news2007/74dublin/ Allegations of sex abuse have been made against 74 priests in one diocese, it was revealed yesterday. Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin disclosed the Church in the capital has paid €5.6million in claims to victims and another €2.2million went to lawyers. So far 112 civil actions have been brought against 32 priests and a further 10 clerics are under suspicion. In all, 72 have been settled and 40 are continuing. Archbishop Martin added that since 2003 his diocese has invested €3million in child protection and related services. The documents show eight priests have been convicted in the criminal courts. Another three priests who have been the subject of allegations of child sexual abuse are currently before the courts. Since his appointment three years ago, the Archbishop has had a policy of releasing latest statistics on abuse allegations. The statement added: "Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime and Archbishop Martin acknowledges again his deep sadness and regret that children have been abused by the clergy. "He reiterates his appeal that anyone with information regarding child sexual abuse by priests in Dublin make contact with the Child Protection Service of the diocese, gardai, HSE or counseling or support service. "Information continues to come to light as a result of an extensive audit of files." |
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