Civil suits could leave Church with massive bill
THE Diocese of Cloyne is facing the prospect of having to pay out hundreds of thousands of euro in compensation to victims of child sex abuse if a number of civil actions against it are successful.
The diocese is already facing at least three civil suits as a result of alleged clerical child sex abuse in the '70s and '80s.
Although a number of allegations have been investigated, none of the priests involved have faced prosecution.
One of the suits is being taken against the estate of a dead priest. The action has also named Bishop John Magee as a defendant in his capacity as bishop of the diocese. If it goes to court, it could prove a major embarrassment for the embattled bishop, who is resisting calls for his resignation.
The plaintiff, who is now an adult, alleges he was sexually abused at a school as a 14-year-old boy by a priest, who was a teacher there. The priest denied the allegation prior to his death.
Further civil suits look possible after a number of people came forward to support group One-in-Four over the past month with fresh allegations. A number of the complainants are likely to make a formal complaint in the near future.
- Shane Phelan
