Diocese spent 10 times more on legal fees than on counselling

THE Cloyne Diocese hierarchy spent 10 times more on legal fees and advice than it did on counselling services for abuse victims who came forward.

Figures revealed by the Murphy Commission show that between 2001 and 2010 the Cork diocese paid €328,000 in legal costs associated with child sex abuse complaints.

This includes payments for legal advice, legal costs for priests involved in criminal or civil court cases, and the legal fees of some complainants.