The diocese of Kerry has paid out more than €250,000 in three settlements of child abuse claims against priests, it emerged today.
The Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy, confirmed that 11 priests have had allegations levelled against them in the diocese since 1955.
Bishop of Kerry Dr Bill Murphy
One priest has already served a prison sentence following conviction, and the Director of Public Prosecutions did not proceed with three other cases.
Two of the priests against whom allegations of abuse had been levelled had been dismissed from the priesthood; two others were granted laicisation.
Three others were no longer in the ministry, and four had died Bishop Murphy said.
"I have a sense of profound sadness and regret as I have listened to the stories of those who have been abused by priests.
"I am concerned, in a particular way, for those who have been hurt and betrayed because of the abusive behaviour of any priest of the diocese of Kerry," he added.
Three cases had been settled by the diocese for a total of €260,000 excluding legal fees.
In a message to the people of Kerry today, the bishop said he was saddened and hurt by the Ferns report. "This is a time for honest soul-searching. For those who have suffered abuse, words of apology appear very weak and inadequate, and yet these words must be spoken."
Dr Murphy said a childcare committee had been in place in Kerry since 1996, with professionals who were experts in psychology, medicine, pastoral care, counselling and law.
Next month two people from the diocese are to begin a year's training with the Child Protection Office and will then train people in all parishes to ensure best practice in child protection.
Dr Murphy repeated his call for anyone who had abused to come forward, and he pledged they would be listened to with care and sensitivity.
The latest revelation follows the publication of a report into allegations of clerical sex abuse in the diocese of Ferns over a 40-year period. The report strongly criticised the former archbishops of the diocese - the late Dr Donal Herlihy and Dr Brendan Comiskey - for their handling of the claims.
Over 100 individuals had made complaints against 21 priests in the diocese, and the gardaí were also criticised over their role in investigating the claims.
It also emerged today that a that priest in the Archdiocese of Tuam has been asked to step down because of allegations he raped a pregnant young woman in 1990.
Additional reporting PA