Bishop saddened by HSE removal of religious statues

BISHOP Bill Murphy of Kerry yesterday entered the controversy arising from the removal of statues and other religious objects from two hospitals in Killarney, describing it as a retrograde step.

The HSE decision to strip Killarney Community Hospital and St Columbanus Home of statues, holy pictures, crucifixes and other Catholic symbols has provoked an angry reaction from clergy and some local councillors.

Bishop Murphy said the HSE decision had saddened him and the removal of religious objects would not benefit patients.