Church assets to fund victims' payout

CHURCH assets will be sold if necessary to meet the costs of compensating victims of clerical sex abuse, the Auxiliary Bishop of Ferns Eamonn Walsh has confirmed.

Speaking at a closed financial meeting in the diocese, Bishop Walsh said that 23 settlements have been reached with victims and a number of other cases are outstanding. He again apologised to the victims of clerical sexual abuse.

Despite all the controversy, he said churchgoers in the diocese are digging deeper and parish contributions in Ferns increased by €6,000 last year. But the Church's finances are coming under strain, Bishop Walsh said.