Limerick Priest Steps Aside after ‘child Protection’ Allegation

Limerick Leader
April 2, 2013

http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/leader-local/breaking-limerick-priest-steps-aside-after-child-protection-allegation-1-4957385

A WELL known Limerick priest has stepped aside from his ministry while an alleged incident of a sexual nature, officially described as a ‘historical child protection matter’, is dealt with by the Diocese of Limerick.

The priest is currently based in county Limerick but was in a parish in the city when the alleged incident occurred in the mid-1990s.

Gardai are aware of the allegation but it is unclear at the moment whether they are investigating a formal complaint.

“The Diocese of Limerick can confirm that a priest of the diocese, in accordance with the recommendations of Church policy on safeguarding children, has asked to step aside from ministry while an alleged historical child protection matter is being dealt with,” said a spokesperson in the statement.

“In keeping with the safeguarding policy, which places children’s wellbeing at the heart of Church activities, the Diocese has agreed to the request from the priest in question.”

For more on this story stay see tomorrow’s Limerick Leader tabloid and weekend broadsheet editions.