GARDAI expect the church authorities to make immediate contact with them if the Vatican inquiries uncover fresh evidence of a potential criminal offence.Senior officers investigating clerical abuse cases said last night contact could be made through the channels of liaison already in place.
An investigation into the findings of the commission, which examined allegations of clerical sex abuse in the Catholic archdiocese of Dublin, is under way.
The team of officers was appointed by Commissioner Fachtna Murphy and told to focus on the handling of complaints and investigations by church and state authorities.
The commissioner said at the time that this would be completed "without fear or favour".
After he had studied a report from Assistant Commissioner John O'Mahony, he would then consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions, who would ultimately determine whether there should be any criminal charges brought.
Separate inquiries are being carried out by officers under Assistant Derek Byrne into fresh complaints of clerical child abuse that arose following the publication of the Ryan Report in May last year.
A special "hotline" received around 150 calls and these resulted in new lines of inquiry being opened.
Gardai last night said they did not anticipate any crossover between their inquiries and the investigation being launched by the church.
SIC: II