Clerical abuse damages - Preying on flock to pay for abuse

Bishop of Ferns Dr Denis Brennan has invited the people of the diocese to help raise money for compensation payments to survivors of paedophile child abuse in the diocese stretching back to the 1940s.

The inquiry into clerical paedophile abuse in the diocese uncovered an appalling catalogue of abuse involving more than 100 allegations against 21 different priests.

To date, 48 cases have been settled at a cost of over €8 million, while there are a further 13 civil suits pending. Dr Brennan explained that a further €2.1m was paid towards different inquiries, and €836,000 towards the treatment of paedophile priests. That means that the cost so far is close to €11m.