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	Church Abuse Scandal Report 'To Be Censored' As Suspects Face Court By Kevin Doyle Herald July 23, 2009 http://www.herald.ie/national-news/church-abuse-scandal-report-to-be-censored-as-suspects-face-court-1836620.html THE report into clerical child abuse in Dublin is likely to be published with large sections blacked out, it has emerged. Despite concerns over the legal implications of releasing the controversial report, it is understood that the Justice Minister Dermot Ahern is in favour of making it public as soon as possible. The Cabinet decided yesterday to refer the report to the Attorney General for advice on what can be published. He has been asked to advise ministers whether the report is suitable for publication, albeit with censor strips, known as redactions. Mr Ahern received the final draft on Tuesday and briefed the Cabinet on its contents, which includes the names of a number people who are currently before the courts in relation to alleged abuse. The main concern is that the report could jeopardise these cases if published before the legal process is complete. Mr Ahern is understood to have told other Government members that he was obliged by legislation to seek the AG's advice on elements of the report. However, the AG may yet seek further assistance from the High Court, which could stall the publication even further. Special A Government spokesperson is unsure whether the Court would offer a special sitting to deal with the issue before the end of its summer break in September. The Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin has indicated that the report will shock parishioners. It is the work of Circuit Court Judge Yvonne Murphy, who looked into 450 separate instances of alleged abuse by priests in the Dublin area. Yesterday's Cabinet meeting also dealt with the fallout from the Ryan Report into clerical abuse. The Government is considering an implementation plan to respond to recommendations made in the report. In particular, many victims still want further clarification on the issue of compensation. The 18 religious orders mentioned in the report are in the process of forwarding statements of financial affairs to the Government. Most orders have now filed their submissions but a Government spokesperson said "one or two are substantially delayed". Any decision on compensation is unlikely to be made before ministers are able to assess the full picture. Contact: kdoyle@herald.ie
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