A PRIEST who massaged a woman's breasts and legs as part of a "primal therapy" counselling session has been directed by senior clergy not to engage in individual counselling again.
The Garda decided earlier this year not to prosecute the priest following a complaint by the woman.
According to a Garda report, following a year long investigation, there was insufficient evidence to sustain a prosecution against the priest, who is a member of a religious order based in south Dublin.
The woman claimed she was indecently assaulted by the priest after she agreed to participate in the primal therapy during the late 1980s.
In her complaint to gardai, the woman, who lives in Dublin, said she met the priest while attending a prayer group, some of whose members had received counselling from him.
The Garda report describes the "counselling" as: "Every session began with Father - giving her a head and foot massage.
"He then pressed on her bellybutton while she rolled around the floor screeching.
"As this was going on, her tracksuit top was usually up around her neck and the bottoms were around her knees. She was not allowed to wear anything under her tracksuit.
At the start of the last session she had with Father - he told her it would be better if she took all her clothes off. This she did.
He then massaged her whole body with his hands, including her breasts and between her legs.
"Shortly after this last session, [she] complained to the head of the order and Father was sent to England for assessment."
The report records that the priest agreed to be interviewed by police in the presence of his solicitor. He denied touching the woman.
It adds that the woman required psychiatric treatment for two years after her experience with the priest. "She now appears to have made a full recovery, it says.
As a result of the complaint and investigation, a committee of inquiry was held by senior clergy in Milltown Dublin, in March.
In its report, issued earlier this month, the committee decided the priest should also receive regular counselling and supervision.
It says these conditions are "non negotiables and conditions for remaining in ministry".
The priest was questioned by the committee and accepts the incompetency and unprofessionalism of the use of primal therapy in his ministry of counselling".
He admitted to having no proper training in its use apart from a few weekends.
He also acknowledges his lack of clear boundaries in his ministry. On reflection, he realises he was "stupid and out of his depth".
It recorded that the priest was honest and open in his responses to the committee.
The committee stated that although it had no legal duty towards the woman, it considered it had a moral obligation to assist her.
It is not known what form of assistance is being offered.