Brady: I will not step down

Cardinal Sean Brady has said he intends to stay on in his position as the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland.

In a statement issued last night the Primate said the publication of the report yesterday by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church would hold the Church to account.

Cardinal Brady has faced calls to resign since it emerged on that in 1975 he conducted an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse by Fr Brendan Smyth which involved him swearing two teenagers to secrecy.

Cardinal Brady said his diocese would comply fully with an audit of the Church's safeguarding practices.

He has asked Pope Benedict for additional help for his work - in the form of an extra bishop in his diocese.

He also said a full-time director of Child Safeguarding would be appointed in the diocese.