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  Report into Child Sex Abuse by Irish Priests Due

BBC News
November 26, 2009

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8379981.stm

A second report into child sex abuse by Catholic priests in the Irish Republic is due to be released later.

The investigation - covering a 30-year period from 1975 - is expected to reveal the extent of how bishops in Dublin covered up complaints.

The report covers child sex abuse from 1975 to 2004

The part played by the police and the state has also been investigated.

In May a separate report revealed a catalogue of cruelty against children at residential homes run by Catholic religious orders.

We will be reading of sordid events that took place within the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Dublin
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin

The latest independent inquiry, which began in 2006, focused on 46 priests working in the Archdiocese of Dublin.

The report is expected to highlight how some priests were simply moved to a different parish and conclude that too many people put the reputation of the Church before the welfare of the children.

Church leaders have already warned of its shocking content.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said last week: "We will be reading of sordid events that took place within the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Dublin."

The report was completed months ago but publication was delayed until clearance was given by the High Court.

Some details were removed because they could jeopardise criminal proceedings.

In a separate report in May, orphanages and industrial schools in the Republic were described as places of fear, neglect and "endemic sexual abuse".

It criticised religious authorities for covering up the crimes and the Irish government's Department of Education for colluding in the silence.

A Catholic order has since said it would supply a 161m euros (£145m) package of measures as reparation for the abuse.

The Christian Brothers said the decision was taken in response to the report.

  
 
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