This is the text of Bishop Magee's letter, which was read out in churches in the Cloyne diocese yesterday:
My dear priests and people, I write to you out of pastoral concern and in defence of the truth.
As you may know, a case for unfair dismissal against the diocese was withdrawn in the Employment Appeals Tribunal on Wednesday last in accordance with terms acceptable to the diocese and to the claimant.
However, a news report on TV3 has linked this case to a series of allegations which appeared in a newspaper report last weekend. I know that this matter has caused deep hurt and is of grave concern to you, the priests and people of the diocese.
I therefore wish to assure you that the allegations in the TV3 news report are completely without foundation and are untrue.
In order to uphold the truth in this matter and to defend the wellbeing of the whole diocese, I have placed this entire issue in the hands of the diocesan solicitors. Because of this, there is nothing further I can add at this time.
Assuring you of my concern for you, the priests and people of the diocese at this time and asking you to keep me in my prayers, I remain
John Magee, Bishop of Cloyne