Limerick Priest Focus of Child Abuse Allegations

By Kathryn Hayes
Limerick Post
April 4, 2013

http://www.limerickpost.ie/index.php/navigation-mainmenu-30/local-news/5850-limerick-priest-focus-of-child-abuse-allegations.html

A LIMERICK priest has stepped aside from his ministry and duties pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of child abuse.

The issues alleged against the priest who is currently attached to a parish in county Limerick relate to the mid nineties when he was located in a different part of the diocese.

Gardai say they are aware of the matter but they have not yet received a complaint to instigate an investigation.

However, the church, who were made aware of the allegations via a third-party, is to proceed with its own inquiry into the alleged abuse.

It is understood that the allegations, of a sexual nature, centre around the priest and a teenage boy more than 15 years ago.

In a brief statement a spokesperson for the Diocese of Limerick confirmed 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".

"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," the statement concluded.