Ferns diocese facing cash crisis due to abuse payouts

The Diocese of Ferns is reportedly facing a cash crisis as a result of sexual abuse compensation claims.

Reports this morning say the diocese has already agreed settlements worth €10m.

On top of this, the State has yet to pay a legal bill totalling €2.7m incurred by the diocese during official inquiries into sex abuse, despite being ordered to do so by the courts.

The diocese says it has yet to pay its lawyers because of this delay and also has borrowings of €2m to meet the compensation pay-outs.