ARCHBISHOP Diarmuid Martin has stated that he “respects” the decision of a victim of clerical child sex abuse to formally leave the Catholic Church.

CONFUSION and chaos existed within the Dublin Archdiocese and the wider Church as to how Canon Law dealt with clerical abuse allegations, the Commission of Investigation report found.

A CONCEPT known as “mental reservation” was used by the diocesan leaders to mislead the media about its dealings with abuse victims in a manner they believed did not involve telling lies, the report finds.

CARDINAL Desmond Connell’s celebration of his 82nd birthday next month could be marred by his legal wrangle with the man who succeeded him as Archbishop of Dublin.

A VICTIM of clerical abuse has criticised Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for being “populist” in his rush to recommend a nationwide investigation into child sex abuse by priests.

Desmond Connell never sought an easy life, reports Caroline O'Doherty.

SURVIVORS of paedophile cleric Brother Ambrose yesterday sought reassurances from the Brothers of Charity that the ailing brother will not have access to children and will receive professional help.

SEX offenders released from prison should be supported rather than demonised, the chaplain of Arbour Hill prison said yesterday.

CONVICTED child sex abuser Fr Ivan Payne is to leave the priesthood in a bid to get free from the monitoring which he must submit to as a member of the church.

One of the most high-profile Irish Roman Catholic priests to be convicted of child sex abuse was released from prison today at the height of renewed controversy over the issue.