Children's Minister: Govt will consider more abuse inquiries

Children's Minister Barry Andrews has said the Government will consider establishing further inquiries into clerical sex abuse in other dioceses, if it becomes clear that there are shortcomings in child protection.

Victims' groups claim the cover-up of clerical child sex abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese identified in the Murphy report was widespread and similar investigations are needed to reveal the scale of abuse in other dioceses.

Some Church leaders - including Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Eamon Walsh - have said there is no need for any further inquiries.

Mr Andrews says the HSE is already auditing every diocese in the country, but that will be broadened out into a deeper investigation if the need arises.