Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, the most Reverend Dermot Clifford has been appointed Apostolic Administrator of the diocese by Pope Benedict.

Bishop Magee retains his title, however, and will now concentrate on co-operating with the Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Inquiry.

Archbishop Clifford said he is looking forward to serving the people and priests of Cloyne and will "give every possible co-operation to the Commission of Inquiry".

Archbishop of Armagh Cardinal Sean Brady said the Pope’s decision "is an indication of the importance which the Church gives to safeguarding children and caring for the needs of victims".

Meanwhile Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin said: "People are rightly angry at what has been done to victims, to their families and indeed to good priests who go about their ministry daily."

The support group for sex abuse victims, One in Four, said: "We must commend Bishop Magee for taking responsibility for the mishandling of child abuse allegations in his diocese. His decision is some consolation to people who have experienced abuse at the hands of the Church," she said.