A CALL to publish the Garda report on a controversial child sex abuse case allegedly involving a Co Wexford priest was made by the PD spokeswoman on Equality and Law Reform, Ms Helen, Keogh.

She said that serious questions had to be answered about the investigation of at least five allegations of abuse in the Wexford area in 1988. "The cloak of authority must never be used to shield the perpetrators of child abuse.

According to reports, she said, statements had been taken from a number of girls, aged between 11 and 12, alleging abuse by a priest. A decision was taken, according to the reports, by "local Garda management" not to proceed with the investigation. "Now, mysteriously, the file on the investigation has gone missing," said Ms Keogh.

The allegations were, in the first instance, investigated by the health board, which was sufficiently concerned to refer the allegations to the Garda. But no prosecution followed, she added.

She asked if the Garda inquiry currently taking place would answer the accusation that a garda was instructed to personally call on the priest to request him to leave the parish, with the caveat that if he refused he would be arrested.

She outlined further questions requiring answers.

. On whose instruction was the investigating officer acting when he was told to send handwritten statements to Garda headquarters in Wexford without typing them up and making copies?

. Were the priest's superiors informed of the investigation and was any action taken as a result?

. Were the priest's superiors made aware of the direction to the priest to leave the parish?

. Were any subsequent allegations of abuse by the priest made after the initial investigation?

"Anyone who knowingly shields an abuser is as guilty for perpetuating the suffering of children and also for putting children at further risk," said Ms Keogh. "This cannot be allowed to happen."

The Minister of State for Justice, Mr Austin Currie said it was not the practice to make statements to the House about the progress of particular Garda investigations, except in instances where the circumstances were so exceptional that such a course of action was appropriate. The investigation would be completed as soon as possible.