Ferns fallout: Ahern moves to set up national audit of clerical sex abuse

A NATIONAL audit of child sex abuse by priests is likely to be carried out following the findings of the Ferns Report, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said yesterday.

Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Ahern said the Government would wait for the findings of the inquiry into allegations of child sexual abuse by priests in Dublin before deciding on the practicalities of a national audit.

Mr Ahern made his comments as Justice Minister Michael McDowell outlined his plans to implement the recommendations of the Ferns Report.