It has been revealed today that a Derry priest paid a five-figure sum out of court to settle allegations of sexual abuse against him.
The alleged incident involving an 18-year-old man is said to have happened at a parochial house in the Derry area in 1992.
The alleged victim claimed that the priest made sexual advances towards him after he visited the parochial house for counselling on sex abuse.
A civil action was begun by the man two years ago and was settled out of court last October with no admission of liability by the priest.
In a statement, the Bishop of Derry, Dr Seamus Hegarty, confirmed he was aware of the allegations made against the priest and had allowed him to continue to work in the Derry diocese.
He said: "I considered the matter thoroughly with my legal and other advisers and, taking fully into account all the circumstances and the priest's character, I decided that he could continue in parish ministry and in wider diocesan activities in those which he has particular expertise."
Dr Hegarty said the diocese was not a party to the agreement and did not make a contribution to the out-of-court settlement.
Local DUP MP Mr Gregory Campbell said the bishop had some explaining to do about his decision to allow the priest to continue his parochial duties.
He said: "I would have thought the people coming in contact with the priest would want some very serious explanations from the bishop about why he came to this decision.
PA