Govt to establish inquiry into sex abuse

The Government has agreed to establish an inquiry into sex abuse by the clergy in the Diocese of Ferns.

Senior counsel George Birmingham will be appointed to lay the groundwork for the investigation and is expected to compile a report for the Government within three months.

The measure was announced after Health Minister Micheal Martin met victims of Fr Sean Fortune in Kilkenny last night.

The victims have welcomed the plans to establish an inquiry and said they hope the Catholic Church will co-operate.