Minister to refer Dublin Archdiocese Report to High Court

Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has today announced his intention to apply to the High Court for directions regarding the publication of the report of the Commission of Investigation into Child Sexual Abuse dealing with the Dublin Archdiocese.

The Attorney General's Office, following consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, advised the Minister that the publication of the report as it stands might prejudice some current criminal proceedings.

Ahern originally received the report on July 21.

"When the report was published I indicated that I was anxious that the matters dealt with in the report would be put in the public domain as quickly as possible but that I was concerned that nothing should be done which would harm the prospects of the perpetrators of these horrific acts of depravity against children being brought to the justice they deserve," said Ahern.

"The legal advice available to me as to how I must proceed is clear and the necessary steps are now being taken with all possible speed."