Cardinal Brady: Abuse response inadequate

The response to child sex abuse allegations was totally inadequate and ineffective, the former head of the Catholic Church in Ireland has said.

Cardinal Seán Brady said he had been horrified by the unspeakable crimes and hoped a public inquiry would shed light on the Church’s dark history.

He said: “You have been tasked with inspecting a dark chapter in our history. But I am confident that your patient and diligent work will cast a welcome light of truth on this situation and hopefully lead to a better future.”