Updated 12.30

The Bishop of Kilmore Dr Leo O'Reilly says he won't be making any further comment about an allegation made against a Cavan priest.

Gardaí are investigating a child protection complaint against a priest who has now voluntarily stepped aside while the investigation is carried out.

The allegation relates to events which took place a considerable time ago and it is understood mass-goers in the affected parish were told about the allegation in a statement read from the alter on Saturday evening.

The priest has been asked not to stay in the parish while the matter is being investigated but Bishop O'Reilly has told Northern Sound he's making no further comment on the issue:

The Bishop has issued a statement via the Diocese of Kilmore's website calling on people to remember that the priest in question is innocent until proven guilty.

Statement

The Bishop writes, "The policy of the diocese of Kilmore is that in all matters relating to child safeguarding, the safety and welfare of children are an overriding concern. It is in that context that I deeply regret to say that I have received a complaint against a priest of the diocese in pastoral ministry which raises concerns in relation to child safeguarding matters. In accordance with diocesan child safeguarding procedures, the priest has voluntarily agreed to take administrative leave whilst an investigation takes place concerning the complaint. The civil authorities are aware of the complaint. It is important to stress that the priest enjoys the right to the presumption of innocence whilst these matters are being investigated. The complaint relates to events alleged to have happened a considerable time ago.

"I want to assure everybody again, as I have done before, that the Diocese of Kilmore is fully committed to safeguarding children and I invite anybody in the diocese who may have concerns in this regard to bring them to the attention of the Child Safeguarding Designated Person of the diocese."