Archdiocese was sprawling and poorly managed
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THE archdiocese of Dublin was found by the Murphy report to have operated a dysfunctional management system with poor communications during the 16 years Cardinal Desmond Connell was in charge.
The hierarchical structure formed a pyramid, with the cardinal as the sole chief executive. Only he had the ultimate power of decision-making and access to the files of priest paedophiles.
In 1999, eight auxiliary, or assistant, bishops shared in the administration of a sprawling diocese covering all of Co Dublin, nearly all of Co Wicklow, much of Co Kildare and fragments of counties Carlow, Wexford and Laois.
The bishops held monthly meetings at Archbishop's House in Drumcondra to discuss internal business and exchange information, including complaints of abuse. But the report found that the bishops making particular inquiries of suspected paedophile priests did not know other cases or obtain access to files.
To expedite correspondence and deal with telephone calls, the cardinal also had two priest secretaries to assist him.
- John Cooney
Irish Independent
