Retired female judge to head abuse inquiry

A retired woman judge was today confirmed as the head of an independent inquiry established by the Catholic Church to look into child sex abuse by the clergy and action taken in response by the authorities.

The seven-member commission investigation has been ordered by the bishops following increasing cases of members of religious orders being accused of sex abuse, with charges sometimes relating to offences allegedly committed decades ago.

Earlier this year, the Bishop of Ferns, Co Wexford, Dr Brendan Comiskey, resigned in the face of criticism of the way he had dealt with one particular notorious abuse case.

Catholic primate Archbishop Sean Brady said the church would fully co-operate with the probe chaired by ex-judge Gillian Hussey - but warned that issues of confidentiality between priests and bishops could prove a hindrance.

He pointed out that priests had the right of appeal to the Holy See if they not wish to pass on information, and confirmed that some documents about complaints dating back many years had been destroyed in accord with Canon Law.

Officially titled the Catholic Church Commission on Child Sex Abuse, the investigation has been set up by the Irish Bishops’ Conference, the Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI) and the Irish Missionary Union.

Representatives from all three organisations apologised for abuse when they announced the development today.

Dr Brady said the commission marked an attempt ‘‘to remove the uncertainty of the laity in the Catholic church. There is such determination that the truth must be discovered’’.

Sr Elizabeth Maxwell, of CORI, said it was ‘‘one further step on the road to reconciliation and healing’’.

Other members of the commission will be appointed by Ms Hussey, 65, who stepped down from the bench earlier this year.

The inquiry brief is ‘‘to establish the truth about the extent of child sexual abuse within the Catholic church in Ireland, and the response of church authorities to complaints of such abuse’’.

The commission will begin meeting next week and deliver a report within two years.