Vol. 454 No. 2
38 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the consultations, if any, she has had with the hierarchy in the area of procedures for the reporting of clerical abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10412/95]
I have not had discussions with the leadership of any of the churches in relation to the issue of clerical abuse.
However, I am aware that the Garda, at the invitation of the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, have met members of the clergy to outline Garda procedures in regard to the investigation of allegations of sexual abuse. In addition, the Garda recently made a presentation in relation to Garda procedures to a diocesan seminar for local clergy.
All complaints of sexual abuse which are reported to the Garda are investigated in the manner prescribed and no distinction is made between clerical and non-clerical suspects.
