Priest Takes Leave during Investigation

The Utv
May 29, 2013

http://www.u.tv/News/Priest-takes-leave-during-investigation/1ae6c566-8ab0-4ed8-a3f6-8da0a7d3715f

The priest has been granted a temporary leave of absence.

A priest has been granted temporary leave of absence from the ministry, during the investigation of a child safeguarding allegation.

He was serving in the Diocese of Clogher, which covers Monaghan, Fermanagh, Donegal and Tyrone.

In a statement, a diocesan spokesman said the claim relates to an incident a number of years ago.

The allegation has been reported to the civil authorities, and the church said it is following procedures laid down by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland.

The diocesan statement added: "The safety and wellbeing of children remain of paramount concern to the Diocese and all resources are being used to ensure this.

"We encourage anyone who has a child safeguarding concern to report the matter to the civil authorities and to the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland."

The diocese declined to comment further until the investigation has concluded.