Fresh Complaints Made against Three Priests since Church Watchdog Review

The Irish Independent
December 10, 2013

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/fresh-complaints-made-against-three-priests-since-church-watchdog-review-29825966.html



[Kerry]

Four fresh complaints of child abuse have been made against three priests since the review of safeguarding practice in the Diocese of Kerry was completed in May.

One of these refers to a retired priest living in Kerry who is the subject of an ongoing investigation in the UK.

A total of 67 allegations against 21 priests were made in the Diocese of Kerry in the 38-year period from January 1975 to May 2013.

There has only been one prosecution in the diocese in that time.

Thirteen of the priests against whom allegations were made are now dead.

One of these, who died about 30 years ago, had 25 complaints made against him while he had access to children.

An independent report commissioned by the Former Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy in April 2009 was "specifically concerned" about the abuse perpetrated by this priest and another.

The review published today said it had not found any evidence that such a case review as recommended had been conducted.

However, Bishop Murphy, who retired this year, was commended in the review which said he had "met his responsibilites well in this regard".

Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne said he felt "ashamed" by the abuse of any child.