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Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has said no apology will ever be sufficient to make amends to those who had been abused by members of the clergy.

"This is the diocese in which I was born," Dr Martin told a news conference at his residence in Dublin. "How do I feel when I have to unveil here before you the revolting stories of the sexual assault and rape of many young children and teenagers by priests of the archdiocese?

“No words of apology will ever be sufficient,” he said, with tears in his eyes.

"Excuses, denials and minimisations were taken from abusers. Decisions were taken that resulted in more children being abused. As Archbishop of Dublin, and as Diarmuid Martin a person, I offer to each and every survivor my apology, my sorrow and shame for what happened."