Caretaker Bishop of Ferns to co-operate with inquiry

The newly appointed caretaker Bishop of Ferns, Dr Eamon Walsh, has promised to co-operate in any way he can to bring about truth…

The newly appointed caretaker Bishop of Ferns, Dr Eamon Walsh, has promised to co-operate in any way he can to bring about truth, reconciliation and healing for the sex abuse victims of Fr Sean Fortune.

In a statement, issued this morning Bishop Walsh, the auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, said that he would work with an inquiry into sex abuse in the Diocese.

"In my caretaker capacity I will fully co-operate with whatever instrument of inquiry is deemed most appropriate in our search for the truth."

Dr Walsh has been one of the principle figures in the Irish Catholic church leading the drive towards eradicating paedophilia and sex abuse in the clergy.

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Last Thursday, the Government announced that there would be a formal inquiry into sex abuse charges against members of the priesthood.

The announcement followed a meeting between the Minister for Health, Mr Micheal Martin and three victims of Fr Fortune.

The investigation was last night welcomed by Cardinal Desmond Connell of Dublin and Archbishop of Armagh Dr Sean Brady.

Conor Pope

Conor Pope

Conor Pope is Consumer Affairs Correspondent, Pricewatch Editor and cohost of the In the News podcast