Most Rev. Dr. Dermot Clifford, Archbishop of Cashel & Emly announced at the weekend that one of his priests has agreed to step aside due to an allegation.The following statement was read on his behalf at the Saturday evening Mass in the parish:
"I wish to inform you that a complaint of child sexual abuse has been received in relation to your parish priest. The complaint does not relate to this parish. In accordance with Diocesan child safeguarding policy, the Parish Priest has agreed to stand aside temporarily from the exercise of his ministry while the matter is being investigated. This complaint has not been established as either true or false. All complaints of this nature are dealt with in accordance with Church and State guidelines in which the safety and wellbeing of children is the paramount consideration.
"Should this communication be of concern to you please do not hesitate to approach any of the five parish safeguarding representatives, whose names are in the church porch, the Diocesan Delegate Fr Michael Mullaney, the Gardai or the HSE."
+ Dermot Clifford
Archbishop of Cashel and Emly
SIC: IBC