Martin establishes inquiry into Ferns sex abuse

The Minister for Health and Children, Mr Martin, today authorised an inquiry into the handling of allegations of child sex abuse in the diocese of Ferns.

The inquiry will be chaired by the retired Supreme Court Judge, Mr Frank Murphy, and follows last year's report into the matter by Mr George Bermingham, SC.

Mr Martin said Mr Bermingham's report had outlined the most effective way of conducting the inquiry.

He said the terms of reference of the investigation would "facilitate a focused and effective inquiry".

Alhtough non-statutory, the Minister has the discretion to grant the inquiry powers of prosecution in the event of non-cooperation by the Church or State authorities.

The move was today welcomed by the One In Four victims representative group.

Spokesman Mr Colm O'Gorman said: "We should see a very focused inquiry that looks at abuse perpetrated in the diocese of Ferns as an essential first step in uncovering how the Catholic Church responded to abuse of children by its priests - not just in Ferns, but across all the diocese of Ireland".

In line with the recommendations in Mr Bermingham's report, two other specialist members have been appointed to assist the inquiry.

Dr Helen Buckley of Trinity College has been appointed as a specialist in child-protection issues. Dr Laraine Joyce will review the structures and management of the organisations coming within the scope of the inquiry.

Dr Joyce is the deputy director of the Office for Health Management.

In April of last year, the Bishop of Ferns, Dr Brendan Comiskey, was forced to resign following criticism over his handling of sex abuse allegations against a priest in his diocese.