Smyth victims want to sue bishop

Three people sexually abused by paedophile priest Brendan Smyth want the Supreme Court to permit them sue a Catholic bishop here over the Church’s alleged failure to act to prevent Smyth abusing children.

If the Church had in 1975 kept “under wraps” facts that would have identified Smyth as being an abuser of children, that is a matter of “significant public importance” entitling his side to appeal to the Supreme Court, Michael Counihan, counsel for the three, said.

The Court of Appeal last November granted Bishop Leo O’Reilly orders halting the three actions brought here against him, in his capacity as representative of the Kilmore diocese, over the Church’s alleged failure to move to stop Smyth’s abuse.