Statement by the Bishop of Raphoe, Most Rev. Philip Boyce

28 Oct 2005

PRESS RELEASE

28 OCTOBER 2005

STATEMENT BY THE BISHOP OF RAPHOE

MOST REV. PHILIP BOYCE

 
The number of priests belonging to the Diocese of Raphoe against whom
allegations of child sexual abuse were made over the past 40 years is
ten.  All of these allegations deal with priests who are alive.

Seven of these priests stood aside from ministry.  Following a Garda
investigation four were not prosecuted.  A priest is not returned to
ministry where the Gardaí are unable to prosecute the alleged offence,
and where concerns regarding child protection remains.  One priest
against whom an allegation of child sexual abuse was made is still
in ministry, but there are no reasonable suspicions such as would
give rise to a child protection question.

Three priests have been the subject of criminal charges and two have
been convicted, one is ongoing.

Financial compensation to date has been paid in respect of 19 allegations
with claims to the amount of €760,000.

All allegations of child sexual abuse in the Diocese by priests, which
the Bishop received, have been reported to the Gardaí.  The Bishop has
cooperated with the statutory authorities and will continue to do so.

ENDS