Michael Martin to meet Fortune abuse victims

Michael Martin, the Minister for Health, is to meet the victims of Fr Sean Fortune to decide whether to launch an independent inquiry into the abuse scandal.

Meanwhile, Dr Brendan Comiskey is to visit Rome this week, where he will formalise his resignation as Bishop of Ferns before the Pope.

He stepped down after being criticised for his role in the handling of the Fr Fortune affair. Last night, about 50 people held a vigil outside his home in Wexford in a show of support for Dr Comiskey.