Sex abuse witnesses compelled to testify

HEALTH Minister Micheál Martin will have the power to compel witnesses to give sworn testimony at an inquiry into clerical sexual abuse in the Diocese of Ferns.

Former Bishop of Ferns, Dr Brendan Comiskey, is among dozens of Church and State figures who will give evidence to the long-awaited non-statutory probe, due to get underway today.

According to the terms of reference, if there is a suggestion that a witness is not co-operating fully, then the minister will confer statutory powers on the inquiry.