Tuam: Gardaí investigate 'child safeguarding' issue against priest

An allegation has been made against a parish priest regarding "child safeguarding'' issues.

The accusation has been reported by the Diocese of Tuam to the Gardaí, the Health Service Executive and the National Board for Safeguarding Children.

In a statement released this afternoon, the Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary said the priest in question would not be continuing in his ministry while the investigation is taking place.

He said the allegation - which has been described as a "child safeguarding issue" - dates back to the 1980s.

The name of the priest or any other details have not been made public.

Archbishop Neary said the diocese continues to work with the authorities to promote child safety, describing it as of paramount importance.