Although allegations of abuse were made in relation to Fr Epsilon, the inquiry said that it appears only the case of Andrew, involving an allegation of sexual abuse at St Peter's College in the early 1960s, was made known to the diocese.
This was communicated to Bishop Walsh in 2002.
Among the allegations made by Andrew were that he and others were sent to Fr Epsilon's room by another clerical student for punishment. Fr Epsilon told four boys to remove their trousers and beat them with a billiard cue.
The inquiry noted the efforts of the diocese to trace the identity of the clerical student in question, and said it was aware that it had also investigated the matter with a priest who, it is alleged, was made aware of the complaint some time ago. The priest was unable to recall the complaint.
The inquiry said that when a credible complaint was received by the diocese after a priest was deceased, it could offer support to the complainant. But where an allegation of child sexual abuse was made against a priest who was still alive, the inquiry said, prompt action was necessary for the protection of children. This was unlike a situation where the priest in question was deceased.