More than 100 allegations, 21 priests, 40 years

THE Ferns Inquiry identified more than 100 allegations of abuse by 21 priests over a 40-year period beginning in 1962.

These ranged from 26 allegations against one priest, Fr Sean Fortune, to single complaints against nine others. Just six priests are named in the report; the others are referred to by letters of Greek alphabet.

The inquiry, established in March 2003 and chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Mr Frank Murphy, did not adjudicate on the truth of the allegations, but focused on how those complaints were handled by the relevant authorities.