The One in Four organisation has welcomed the decision of the Bishop of Cloyne, John Magee, to step aside.
Executive director of the group Meave Lewis of the support group said: "I commend Bishop Magee's decision to accept responsibility for the mishandling of allegations of child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Cloyne. I believe this represents a major shift in the attitude of the Catholic bishops to child protection within the Church.
"Allied with the new Child Protection Guidelines issued by the National Board for Safeguarding Children, the bishops are sending a clear message that the safety of children is now a priority."
She said Bishop Magee's actions might also bring some comfort to those whose lives had been devastated by sexual abuse.
"It is a clear recognition of the gravity of the hurt they have endured," she said.
