Diocese maintains priests central to claims

PRIESTS at the centre of child abuse allegations are no longer serving any public function, but continue to be maintained by the diocese of Cloyne where alleged abuses took place.

The priests, two of whom are named as Father A and Father B in a damning report which outlined the allegations and their handling, were never prosecuted, but a spokesman for Bishop of Cloyne Dr John Magee admitted there are concerns surrounding the men.

Fr Jim Killeen, director of communications in the diocese, said the HSE is working with the diocese to find the best way to supervise the priests to ensure they stay within the confines of their limited roles. He said none of the priests had applied to be laicised, and it had not been imposed on them.