Madam, - A report in your edition of May 22nd said a priest in west Dublin had been "suspended" pending an investigation into allegations of child sex abuse. The use of the word "suspended" is factually incorrect and, in this context, it is seriously misleading. The word "suspended" in the life of a priest implies that a sanction has been applied because of some confirmed wrongdoing.
In fact, the statement issued to Patsy McGarry, Religious Affairs Correspondent, by the diocese stated that the man in question was "temporarily standing aside from his position" and this is the accurate description in the circumstances. A priest voluntarily and temporarily steps aside as part of diocesan policy pending the outcome of the investigation. - Yours, etc.,
MARY A. CURTIN,
Senior Communications Officer,
Archdiocese of Dublin,
Archbishop's House,
Dublin 9.