Priest faces sex abuse inquiry

IRELAND
Belfast Telegraph

04 NOVEMBER 2013

A Catholic priest has stepped aside while an allegation of sexual abuse is investigated.

Bishop Leo O’Reilly, of the border diocese of Kilmore, said gardai are aware of the complaint against the parish priest, which is said to date back a number of years.

In a statement, he said all matters relating to child safeguarding, the safety and welfare of children, are an overriding concern in the diocese.

“It is in that context that I deeply regret to say that I have received a complaint against a priest of the diocese in pastoral ministry which raises concerns in relation to child safeguarding matters,” said Bishop O’Reilly.

“In accordance with diocesan child safeguarding procedures, the priest has voluntarily agreed to take administrative leave whilst an investigation takes place concerning the complaint.

Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.