Cloyne abuse reports - The truth will out

JUNIOR Minister Barry Andrews continued hisdelay-and-divide charade on reports relating to child sexual abuse allegations in Cloyne yesterday.

At this stage it is more and more difficult to believe that a shameful cover-up is not under way.

Mr Andrews was given a report by the Catholic Church’s National Board for the Safeguarding of Children (NBSC) chief executive Ian Elliott last July. The minister has not confirmed that he has read it, but has said he has no plans to publish it.

The Elliott investigation led to another report, this time by the relevant authority, the Health Service Executive. None of those who say they suffered sexual abuse at the hands of Cloyne clergymen, and who were interviewed by Mr Elliott, were consulted during the preparation of this report. They say they did not even know it was being prepared.

This HSE report was passed to Mr Andrews about two weeks ago and he has asked his advisers if he can publish it. It is now unimaginable that he will not.

The integrity of Irish society was damaged by official roles in the Brendan Smyth scandal and the compensation agreement Michael Woods reached with religious orders. Is the Cloyne affair to fall into that category too? Mr Andrews still has an opportunity to ensure it does not, but that opportunity is passing.

Up to now the focus has concentrated on the Government, but that cannot remain the case much longer. Bishop Magee’s silence is mystifying and discomfiting. If he is unable to deal with the matter, then a more senior church figure must intervene.

These reports will reach the public domain one way or another and the Irish Examiner will do all it can to ensure that they do, no matter how long it takes.