IRELAND
Catholic News Service
By Cian Molloy
Catholic News Service
DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) -- The Irish bishops face a national audit by government agents into how each diocese is complying with child protection guidelines published by the church nearly 10 years ago.
News of the audit came shortly after publication of a report criticizing church and government officials over their handling of cases of priestly sexual abuse of children in the Ferns Diocese.
The bishops held a special meeting at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Oct. 31 to discuss child protection issues following their receipt of a letter from Brian Lenihan, minister of state for children. The minister offered a number of proposals regarding the audit to the bishops, who said they would respond "rapidly and positively."