Church of Ireland issues statement on sex offence involving lay worker at cathedral

The Church of Ireland says personnel at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin engaged fully with the authorities regarding a lay worker, Patrick O'Brien, who was yesterday charged with indecently assaulting ten boys

The Church of Ireland said personnel at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin engaged fully with the authorities regarding a lay worker, Patrick O'Brien, who was yesterday charged with indecently assaulting ten boys.

In a statement, it said the concern of the Church of Ireland is first and foremost for any victims involved in the allegations, and that the matter was reported to Gardai and the Child and Family Agency.

The Church of Ireland seeks to ensure the safety and welfare of children at all times across all its churches, through the implementation of its child protection policy Safeguarding Trust, it said.

In conclusion, the statement said the individual is not a past or present employee of the Cathedral.

The 76-year-old was charged with indecently assaulting ten boys over a 13-year period.