The former Bishop of the Cloyne diocese, who was criticised in last month's report into the mis-handling of abuse cases last month, has returned to Ireland.

The Vatican’s attitude to the Church’s efforts to introduce child protection measures in Ireland was not helpful, Cardinal Sean Brady admitted.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter expresses "sorrow and profound apology" to any child in Cloyne failed by the State.

THE body charged with safeguarding children in the Catholic Church has said all the country’s bishops are participating in the church’s audit into child protection practices, despite media reports to the contrary.

THE DATA Protection Commissioner has refuted claims by Catholic bishops that an audit of the Church’s child protection practices is being impeded by laws restricting access to sensitive personal information.

THE extent to which many people feel let down and angry was acknowledged by Cardinal Seán Brady yesterday as the Diocese of Cloyne accepted the findings of the HSE report into the management of child sexual abuse issues in the diocese.