The Government established the Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Investigation in March 2006 to investigate the handling of allegations of child sexual abuse made against clergy operating in the archdiocese.
However, the commission may also investigate the position of any Catholic diocese in the State following notification from the Minister for Children that a diocese may not be properly handling child sex abuse allegations.
The commission, chaired by Circuit Court Judge Yvonne Murphy, is due to issue its report on the Dublin Archdiocese towards the end of this month.
Following yesterday's developments, its report into the Diocese of Cloyne is due to be completed within six months, Minister for Children Barry Andrews said yesterday.