Since the death of Father Sean Fortune I have been asked for a detailed response to a number of questions, the most grave of which concern complaints of Child Sexual Abuse against Father Fortune.
I wish to acknowledge again the pain of all those awaiting the outcome of the Criminal Proceedings against Father Fortune to provide answers.
The impression has been given that complaints of child sexual abuse were made to me in respect of which I made no response. I am conscious of the fact that there is anxiety among those seeking answers that I put on the public record the nature of these complaints and the responses to them. It is quite true that I received such complaints. It is untrue, however, to say that I did nothing about them.
There are in train High Court proceedings seeking damages in which I am one of a number of named defendants. There may be legal implications which will limit the amount of information I am free to put into the public domain before such proceedings are determined. The advice which I receive about these implications will guide the timing and content of any further statement which I may make in advance of such proceedings.
I offer the services of the Diocese and my own services to help in whatever way we can and I would also urge all those seeking help to consider contacting the "Faoiseamh" Helpline, details of which I set out below.
Faoiseamh Helpline 1800 33 1234 (Republic of Ireland), 0800 973272 (Northern Ireland and United Kingdom).
Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The statement added: The bishop will not be giving any interviews.