Archdiocese child sex abuse probe extended for a year

A “FAST track” probe into child sex abuse by priests in the Dublin archdiocese has been extended by another year, it emerged yesterday.

The commission, chaired by Judge Yvonne Murphy, was expected to conclude its inquiries by September at a cost of €4.5 million, but the Cabinet agreed to allow it a further 12 months to complete its work.

The investigation’s terms of reference required it to select a representative sample of complaints or allegations of child sexual abuse against clergy in the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin between 1975 and 2004. The probe is looking at the response of the authorities to these complaints and will decide whether there was an attempt to obstruct their investigation.

The Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Investigation was established following publication of the Ferns report which highlighted serious shortcomings in the way the Wexford diocese dealt with priests accused of sexually abusing children. It emerged in May that €7.8m has been paid out by the Archdiocese of Dublin in settlement of sex abuse claims.

The number of priests against whom allegations have been made has jumped from 102 last year to 147. Eight have been convicted in criminal courts and 112 civil actions have been brought against 32 priests or priests who held appointments in the diocese.