Catholic Church sexual abuse hearing delayed

A hearing on whether Catholic Church documents can be examined by an inquiry into the sexual abuse of children was delayed today for legal teams to prepare for the case.

The judicial review at the High Court in Dublin was adjourned for one week so barristers could deliver opposition papers to the legal team representing Cardinal Desmond Connell.

The senior cleric secured a temporary order blocking the release of the files on Thursday.

Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill ordered that the interim injunction remain in place, and told both parties the court would work to facilitate the case as the work of a public tribunal may be held up.

Brian Murray, senior counsel for commission chair Judge Yvonne Murphy, said his party received the papers late on Thursday evening and had spent the weekend preparing opposition documents.

He told the court he would deliver his full set of opposition papers to Roddy Horan, senior counsel for the Cardinal, by this Thursday and applied for the matter to be listed this day week.

Mr Horan agreed with the application.