The Bishop of Raphoe, Dr Philip Boyce, has not asked three priests against whom allegations of child sex abuse have been made to stand aside from ministry as "he is anxious to accord justice to all involved", a spokesman has said.
Last October, Bishop Boyce confirmed allegations had been made against the priests.
A report on TV3 News last night said the three priests remain in ministry in Raphoe diocese, that gardaí in Donegal had interviewed some of them, and that the Garda investigation into the allegations would continue.
Mr Colm O'Gorman, of the One in Four group, which helps people sexually abused as children, said the TV3 report was "a matter of the gravest concern".
He called for an immediate statement to be made by the North Western Health Board on the matter "to clarify what action has been to taken in this case".
"We need to know urgently when and if an appropriate risk assessment was conducted and what measures, if any, have been put in place."
On October 30th, 2002, Bishop Boyce confirmed that allegations had been made against four priests in the diocese, and that the Garda had been informed.
"One priest is no longer in ministry, and the other cases are being examined in the light of further information received."
He said the diocese would fully co-operate with the Garda and other agencies "so that the full facts can be established and justice achieved for all involved".
Last night, Father Kevin Gillespie, spokesman for the Raphoe diocesan advisory panel on child sex abuse, said Bishop Boyce gave child protection "priority in these cases and it remains with him a matter of ongoing concern. Where it is necessary for a priest to step aside he will do so."
He said there was also the "question of [a priest's] reputation involved".
