Below are statements from Catholic primate Cardinal Seán Brady and Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin following the resignation of the Bishop of Limerick Donal MurrayStatement by Cardinal Seán Brady
Commenting on the resignation of Bishop Donal Murray as Bishop of Limerick, Cardinal Seán Brady said "I acknowledge and respect the decision of Bishop Murray to resign as Bishop of Limerick, as was announced earlier today.
"As Bishop Murray said in his statement this morning, the survivors of abuse must have first place in our thoughts and prayers.
"I apologise again to all who were abused as children by priests, who were betrayed and who feel outraged by the failure of Church leadership in responding to their abuse. Their suffering must always be the primary consideration in any assessment of past failings, as a Church and as individuals.
"I wish to acknowledge and thank Bishop Murray for his contribution to the work of the Irish Bishops' Conference. He is in my prayers at this time ."
Statement by Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin
I believe Bishop Donal Murray did the right thing for his diocese and for the wider Irish Church, and I appreciate the personal difficulty and pressure he has been under.
Responsibility must be taken by all who hold a position of authority and collective responsibility.
There have been serious difficulties of structure and communication at management level in the Archdiocese of Dublin.
The Murphy report indicated how decisions were taken which resulted in further children being abused.
Accountability must be assumed for that and radical reform is required in the archdiocese, not just in the area of children protection.
I am satisfied with our current situation in the child protection area but I am not complacent – and it requires ongoing commitment.
I am and will be meeting those in this diocese who are named in the report about the way this archdiocese is managed about changes I want and that I consider vital for the future of the Archdiocese of Dublin.
This will not be complete until early in the New Year and I will not discuss it publicly before then. There will be wider consultations also. This is without doubt a period of deep crisis in this archdiocese.
Priests and people of this diocese see there can be no healing without radical change. Along with many others I am committed to that change.
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