Diocese will not say if priest to be reinstated

A DIOCESE which is the focus of a State inquiry into clerical sexual abuse has refused to say if a priest cleared by a garda and diocesan investigation will be reinstated.

Fr John Kinsella stepped down from ministry duties in the Ballagh, Co Wexford, last year following the resurfacing of sex abuse allegations. They were made by two brothers who served as altar boys in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, in the 1990s.

The priest, who is in his 50s, was cleared of any wrongdoing more than a month ago. Yet the diocese of Ferns has refused to discuss the issue, saying it does not comment on individualcases.