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  Priest Stands Aside over Inquiry

The Irish Times
May 10, 2009

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0510/breaking34.htm

A priest has stood aside voluntarily from his position in a parish "as a result of information giving rise to child protection concerns" , the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Most Rev Diarmuid Martin has confirmed.

In a statement the Archbishop said it was ''a matter of regret and concern that one Sunday newspaper [the Irish Mail onSunday] chose to publish details of a priest standing aside" and he hoped ''that this decision would not in any way compromise a process which has the safety of children at its core."

The Archdiocese confirmed that a priest had ''voluntarily stood aside from his position in a parish as a result of information giving rise to child protection concerns.

This is in accordance with the Church's standards and guidance document on safeguarding children. Standing aside is important to allow all appropriate investigations by statutory and church authorities to proceed and does not denote innocence or guilt."

It added that ''the archdiocese of Dublin does not release information to the media concerning confidential aspects of safeguarding procedures. Statements are made to the parish community. This is an important part of the process."

It also urged anyone who may have information or concerns where the safety of children was concerned to contact the Diocesan Child Protection Service at 01-8360314, the gardai, the HSE, a counselling service, or support service of their choice.

 
 

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