The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to prosecute the former Bishop of Galway Eamonn Casey following an investigation of allegations made against him by a woman.
A spokesman for the Catholic Communications Office today said: "The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to proceed with the case against Bishop Eamonn Casey."
The allegations concern an alleged incident more than 30 years ago. They were made by a middle aged Limerick-born woman.
Dr Casey, left Ireland for South America in 1992 after it emerged he had fathered a son during an affair with an American divorcee, Annie Murphy. He was serving in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton in England in November 2005 when the claims were reported to gardai.
Dr Casey stood aside from active ministry as per diocesan guidelines when the allegations were made and the garda investigation got underway. He vigorously denied the accusations.
Bishop Casey (78) has already expressed his eagerness to return to ministry and say Mass in public again. He has publicly apologised for any hurt caused by his affair with Ms Murphy.