THE Bishop of Ferns, Dr Comiskey, will today answer allegations made during his five month absence in the US where he was treated for alcoholism.
The allegations centre on management of diocesan funds, handling of sex abuse allegations against Wexford clergy and the bishop's personal behaviour, and a number of trips to Bangkok.
Dr Comiskey has been preparing a defence since his return to Wexford last Saturday week with the assistance of solicitors, accountants and public relations advisers.
Dr Comiskey did not attend a seminar of priests of the Diocese of Ferns which was held in a Wexford hotel yesterday to consider the issue of dealing with child sex abuse. He was expected to attend and some members of the clergy present said they were "very disappointed" at his failure to do so.
Dr Comiskey will give only one interview before today's press conference. That will be to Ms Kerry Graye of South East Radio.
St Peter's College is the venue for the conference which begins at 10.30 a.m. A photo call will be held first and at 10.45 a.m. Dr Comiskey's statement will be circulated to the media. It is believed the statement is extremely detailed.
It is believed journalists will be given an hour to question the bishop about the allegations raised during his absence. The press conference will be broadcast live on the Pat Kenny Show on RTE radio.
The conference will be chaired by an Enniscorthy curate, Father Peter O'Connor. Also attending will be the diocesan accountant, Mr Liam Gaynor Dr Comiskey's doctor, Dr Paddy McKiernan diocesan solicitor, Mr Peter Kirwin diocesan financial controller, Father Tommy Brennan, and public relations representative, Ms Barbara Wallace. The bishop's friend and adviser, Mr Noel Smyth, a solicitor, will also be there.
Dr Comiskey spent most of yesterday preparing his statement at the Bishop's House. He took a break at 5.45 p.m. to offer Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Rowe Street.
A Wexford priest has said it might have been better if the bishop had returned to the diocese after the confirmation period. Father Thaddeus Doyle, of Murrintown, said "It is my view that when Bishop Comiskey's return was delayed, and especially when it became obvious that some parents had objections, a decision should have been taken that Bishop Comiskey took a break from confirmations until Easter.