Reports say authorities ignored seven-year-old sex abuse study

A seven-year-old health board study into the handling of sex abuse allegations in Co Wexford was ignored by the authorities, according to reports this morning.

The Irish Independent said the study was ordered following a growing number of complaints against priests in the diocese of Ferns.

Bishop Brendan Comisky was reportedly informed of the report, which advised the South Eastern Health Board on every aspect of child sex abuse allegations and how they should be handled.

However, its recommendations were never acted upon. This revelation comes as some of the victims of Fr Sean Fortune prepare to meet Health Minister Micheal Martin to demand a full independent inquiry into clerical sex abuse.