A priest has been suspended in Co Monaghan after allegations of misconduct against children in Northern Ireland more than 20 years ago.
The Bishop of Clogher, Dr Joseph Duffy, informed churchgoers of the development at the weekend.
In a statement the diocesan office said: "Bishop Duffy told parishioners that as a precautionary measure to protect children he had requested the priest concerned to step down and he had agreed.
"The priest is now on administrative leave, pending the outcome of investigations by the relevant civil authorities to whom the case has been referred."
The bishop said the priest had the right to be presumed innocent and declined to release any further details.
PA
