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Since 1940, over 100 Catholic priests in the See of Dublin have faced accusations of sexually harassing children. Almost 400 victims have come forward. The biggest see in Ireland has paid out a total of 5.8 million pounds in settlements and fees to attorneys in cases involving sexual abuse of children. 105 civil suits have been brought against 32 clergymen. Settlements were reached in 65 of the cases. These totaled payouts of 4.1 million pounds and another 1.7 million in legal fees to both parties. Sadly, very few priests were brought to justice. Only one in five victims or reported victims has received compensation. Recently it was reported that the figures include new cases and accusations, which surfaced following an internal review of the see and the ongoing operations of the see’s Child Protection Agency. Some priests were found innocent and acquitted, but others have been charged with crimes as heinous as rape. The terrifying data has exceeded the worst possible expectations. Moreover, very few of the crimes were actually reported. The files will be inspected and reviewed by Circuit Court judge Yvonne Murphy, who will chair the Commission of Investigation to be appointed by the state at a future time. The investigation has been postponed for several months on account of internal conflicts over the state budget.
The figures were compiled by independent evaluators, who accomplished a feat in the last two years, reviewing 5600 clergymen’s personnel files. Dublin See did not report specific names officially, but the lists include eight pedophile priests with prior sentences - Tony Walsh, Thomas Naughton, Paul McGennis, Ivan Payne and others.
According to the preliminary report issued last October, the sum of 300 000 pounds has been paid out in recent settlements and a priest has stepped down from his post at a parish in west Dublin. Investigation of a complaint against him is pending.
The see has calculated that 69 priests on its territory are facing allegations. Seven priests of the see are suspected of abusing minors. 23 priests from other sees are under investigation.
The see has invested 2.5 million pounds in child protection and related activities since 2003. 350 victims have been identified so far. There are another 40 possible victims. The archbishop of Dublin See invites all those who have been abused by a priest on the territory of the see to come forward and help convict the criminals.

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