Clerical child abuse cases 'will always be part of Church', says Archbishop

The Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin has said this has been a tough year for the Catholic Church in Ireland.

Dr Martin said a process of renewal and reform is being undertaken following the handling of clerical child abuse incidents.

He said the cases will always be a part of the Church and "can never be forgotten".

However, Archbishop Martin believes the Catholic Church will regain its standing once there is a rebuilding of confidence.

Dr Martin said: "It's up to the judges to go out and earn the respect that belongs to them, but it won't be handed over on a platter."

Asked if he thought the Church could regain the standing that it had, he replied: "Yes, you have to just commit yourself, it will be very different. We will just wait and see what its like."