07/02/2008

Connell Prepared To Go To Prison Over Church File Dispute

Cardinal Desmond Connell is prepared to go to prison rather than allow privileged documents to be released, according to the Irish Catholic newspaper.

The paper has reported that the cardinal told friends he is prepared to go to prison rather than breach the confidentiality of the church files.

The former Archbishop initiated High Court proceedings to prevent documents being handed over to the inquiry on the basis that they are legally privileged and confidential.

The Irish Catholic has said - citing sources close to the cardinal - that he feels a direct and personal responsibility to those who got assurances of strictest confidentiality from him.

Some 5,000 documents are at the centre of the legal dispute between Cardinal Desmond Connell and the Commission, which was set up by the Government in March 2006 to investigate allegations of child abuse between January 1st 1975 and May 1st 2004, against a representative sample of 46 priests.

It is understood the documents relate to legal advice following claims of child sexual abuse, as well as insurance policies in relation to such claims.

(VB)


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