Cloyne clerical abuse report to be published today

The long-awaited report into the handling of clerical abuse allegations in the diocese of Cloyne will be published later today.

The Commission of Investigation examined allegations against 19 priests working in the diocese between 1996 and 2009.

The inquiry focused on 19 priests over a 13-year period between 1996 and 2009.

It followed the publication of a report in 2009, which found child protection practices in the diocese of Cloyne were "inadequate and in some respects dangerous".

The then Bishop of Cloyne John Magee was criticised in that report for his handling of the abuse allegations.

He is again expected to come for criticism in today's report, which will also focus on the handling of abuse complaints by the gardaí and the health authorities.

Victims will get a chance to read the report before it is officially published later this afternoon and the Government will then give its response to what will be the forth major report into clerical child sexual abuse in Ireland.

The Health Service Executive has set up a victim's helpline to offer support to people who have suffered clerical sex abuse.

It will go live from 3pm this afternoon. The freefone number is 1-800-742-800.