Statement from Archdiocese of Dublin following conviction of Dublin priest

Statement following conviction of Dublin priest

A priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin, Fr. Denis Nolan, was today(Friday) convicted of charges relating to child sexual abuse in Wicklow circuit court and sentenced to 7 years in prison.

A complaint of child sexual abuse against Fr. Denis Nolan, not related to today’s proceedings, was first received by the Archdiocese of Dublin in April 2012. Fr. Nolan was then removed from priestly ministry. He was obliged to co-operate and engage with the Diocesan priest support co-ordinator, who monitors priests in such situations to ensure compliance with restrictions placed on their activities. All information received by the Diocese was given to the Gardai and the HSE.

Subsequently, the Director for Child Safeguarding and Protection, Andrew Fagan visited the parish of Rathnew and met with parishioners and others in the local community. All relevant information from that visit was provided to the Gardai and the HSE.  A thorough investigation by the Gardai led to the conviction today.

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and others involved in Child Safeguarding and Protection in the Diocese are distressed by the details of this case as they emerged in court today. Archbishop Martin wishes to express his sympathy to the young person who was abused and to unreservedly apologise to him and his family. He encourages anyone else to may have information to come forward.

Anyone who has any information or concerns regarding the protection of children should contact the Child Safeguarding and Protection Service, the Gardai or the Child and Family Agency, which has taken over responsibility for child protection from the HSE.

• The Diocesan Child Safeguarding and Protection Service can be reached at 01 8360314

• Details on the work of the CSPS are available on www.csps.dublindiocese.ie