Row breaks out over alleged clerical sex abuse in Meath

A row has broken out in Co Meath over whether an allegation of clerical child sex abuse in the diocese was handled properly.

The One in Four Group victim support group says it's shocked and deeply concerned that a priest accused of abuse is continuing to minister.

Bishop Michael Smith admitted that while one priest had been removed after allegations were made against him, another is still in active ministry.

But he said that when the allegation was followed up, the person who had complained refused to say anything more and that he therefore felt there was “no substance” to the allegation.

But Deirdre Fitzpatrick of the One in Four group says that this is not good enough.

She admitted that the claim may be unfounded but she said that in her experience, many people often withdraw their complaints simply because they become scared.