Vatican to make statement on clerical abuse Inquiry

The Vatican will make a statement later this morning on the Inquiry into clerical child abuse in the Diocese of Ferns.

The announcement is expected at 11am, when the Church of Ireland makes a simultaneous statement.

It comes less than 48 hours after Minister for Health, Michael Martin, agreed an Inquiry into the handling of sexual abuse in the diocese.

Cardinal Desmond Connell and Archbishop, Sean Brady, said last night they would make every effort to co-operate with the State investigation.

They are also considering setting up an Independent audit into how bishops dealt with the problem of clerical abuse.