DUBLIN’S CATHOLIC archdiocese has confirmed that a Garda investigation is under way into the misappropriation of funds by at least one priest in a north Co Dublin parish. It is understood that for a number of years, there was a failure to declare income from a particularly busy chapel in the parish, but which was not the main parish church. Estimates have put the amounts involved at approximately €14,000 a year.
Last summer, a curate in the parish had a nervous breakdown and confessed to the church authorities in the archdiocese.
The priest concerned is being cared for at a residential institution. It is unclear whether he was the only member of the clergy in the parish who was aware of what had been going on.
In a statement, the archdiocese has confirmed reports of what has been taking place.
Its statement, in full, said that “in August, a priest serving in a Dublin parish made the archdiocese aware of serious issues in relation to his financial affairs. These issues involved parish and diocesan funds. The priest in question is now on leave.
“The matter was notified to the Garda and consultations with investigating gardaí are continuing. External auditors were requested to undertake an independent examination of all relevant financial records and available information, and that examination is ongoing.
“There are established and detailed administrative rules and guidelines in place in the diocese regarding the management of parish and diocesan funds as well as parochial and diocesan property. These rules and guidelines are regularly reviewed to maintain best practice.’’
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(Source: IT)