The report as published refers to allegations, concerns or suspicions
concerning 19 different clerics which were brought to the attention of
the diocese between 1996 and 2009.
The terms of reference of the Commission extended to all complaints received
by Church or civil authorities since 1996.
These complaints received in
that time frame referred to cases from the 1930s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s,
1980s 1990s and 2000s.
Of the 19 clerics mentioned in the report, 2 are not priests of
Cloyne diocese – 1 is a member of a religious order and 1 retired from
Brisbane diocese – and 1 is unidentifiable.
Of the complaints received
against the remaining 16 clerics of the diocese, in 11 cases the
complaints/concerns received met the criteria for credible allegations
of sexual abuse.
One of these priests was subsequently prosecuted and
convicted of an offence in this regard.
In relation to the 11 priests whose cases met the criteria for credible allegations of sexual abuse,
- 7 are now deceased
- 1 has left the priesthood.
- 3 are out of ministry.
In relation to the other 5 cases
- 3 cases contained no allegation of sexual abuse or of any offence being committed.
- 2 priests of the diocese, one of whom is now deceased, were complained by the same individual. The report notes that the Gardaí could not find sufficient corroborating evidence for a prosecution and that the civil cases were later discontinued by the complainant.
During the period over which the events complained of in the report occurred some 415 priests served in the diocese of Cloyne.