An abuse victim who has accused Cardinal Connell of failing to act when she reported her abuser said last night that the announcement by the church of an independent audit left her worried.
"It just seemed to be the same old words again," said Mrs Marie Collins, whose abuser, Father Paul McGennis, was jailed for 18 months in 1997 for assaults on her and another child.
"They spoke about prioritising the victims and child protection. It just reminded me of when they launched the (1996) guidelines on child sexual abuse which they then basically ignored," she claimed.
"The words seemed to be very much the same and if the follow-up this time is the same - in other words, no follow-up - then it worries me."
Mrs Collins said she was also concerned that the commitment given by the church leaders yesterday was not clearly expressed.
"They still do not seem to be able to speak plain English. From what they were saying it seemed like they would co-operate with the independent audit rather than the State inquiry.
"And they do not seem to be able to bring themselves to say the word 'file'. It was all about 'information'. They don't seem able to admit that there are files on abusers in cupboards in the church's possession waiting to be opened.
"I was glad to hear them say they would look at how past cases were handled, but if they find that in past cases somebody has protected a perpetrator, will that person be sanctioned? That wasn't clarified.
"I'm also confused as to whether or not they are bound by canon law. They have said different things at different times.
"They seem to have put the whole thing in language that can be interpreted in different ways."
Mrs Collins said a key to the success of the exercise would be the auditor whose independence must be beyond reproach.
"I'm not sure how you ensure that. I can't think immediately of anyone who might fill that role but it will have to be someone who is outside the church. All I know is if the church does not do it right this time, I do not know what the future is for the church."