One in Four welcomes withdrawal of Connell’s court action

A national charity that supports women and men who have experienced sexual violence, today welcomed the move by former Archbishop of Dublin, Cardinal Desmond Connell to withdraw his court action against the commission investigating clerical sexual abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese.

Speaking today, Deirdre Fitzpatrick, One in Four's advocacy director said: "We have continually called upon the Cardinal to withdraw his application to the High Court.

"We are relieved that the work of the Commission can now continue un-hindered by legal wrangling."

"We believe it was imperative for the Cardinal to withdraw this application and he has done so today.

"This recent development will bring relief to the many victims of clerical sexual abuse who have already given evidence. They must now be assured that the Dublin Archdiocese will continue to fully engage with the Commission’s investigation.

"Many of these victims have waited decades for the truth to emerge with regard to handing of clerical sexual abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese, by church and state authorities.

"The Commission can now continue its vital work, in exposing the truth."