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	17 Derry Priests Faced Sex Abuse Claims - Bishop Hegarty Derry Journal November 27, 2009 http://www.derryjournal.com/journal/17-Derry-priests-faced-sex.5865226.jp Allegations of child sex abuse have been made against 17 priests of the Derry diocese, the 'Journal' can reveal. In a statement yesterday evening, Bishop Seamus Hegarty said all allegations have been reported to the relevant authorities on both sides of the border. The statement said that, in addition, one priest on loan to the diocese has been convicted of child sex abuse. It's understood there are no proceedings pending against any of the 17 priests. The Bishop's statement came as the country was reeling from shocking revelations included in a disturbing report into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin which exposed a high-level cover up of 320 child sex abuse allegations against clergy between 1974 and 2004. Derry diocesan spokesperson Fr Michael Canny confirmed that all of the priests with allegations made against them are still alive but may not be currently serving here. In 2005 the Derry diocese revealed that 26 priests, both alive and dead, had claims of child sex abuse made against them. Fr Canny could not confirm last night whether any new names had since been added to the list. However, he said that there are no current court cases against Derry clergy, adding that no member had been asked to stand down as a result of child sex abuse allegations. Bishop Hegarty said; "In August the diocese furnished the HSE (Health Service Executive) and DHSSPS with up to date figures, relating to the entire diocese, regarding priests who are still alive, irrespective of the place or date to which the allegation refers." He added; "There is also a number of allegations where the identity of the priest is unknown." Bishop Hegarty said it was routine that all allegations are passed to the civil authorities whose role it is to investigate such matters. "The diocese again encourages anyone who has been abused to approach the civil authorities." he added. Commenting on the distressing revelations made in the Dublin Archdiocese yesterday, Bishop Hegarty said it was "a cause of great shame for the church". "The Report shows behaviour towards children which was evil in the extreme. It is to be hoped that those involved will be prosecuted."
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