Mass-goers quizzed on abuse fund

The fund compensates victims of clerical sex abuse

One of Londonderry's Catholic parishes has started consulting on how to meet its commitment to a fund compensating victims of clerical sex abuse.

Mass-goers who attend St Eugene's Cathedral are being asked to give their views on how the parish should raise £40,000 for the Stewardship Trust Fund.

Fr Michael Canny, the administrator, said it was important the University of Ulster survey was independent.

He said he was "prepared to abide" by whatever the findings were.

"The university are asking them (the Mass goers) on my behalf to express their preferences as to how we might meet our commitments," he said.

"Now it's also asking them options that they consider to be no-nos and options they consider to be very good ideas.

"The thing about this survey is that it's going to be independent, it's professional - and whatever the findings are, I'm certainly prepared to abide by it."

Last February, the Derry diocese's Bishop Seamus Hegarty revealed 3% of parishioners' money went into the compensation fund for victims of clerical sex abuse.

This was done without parishes' knowledge and it was later agreed that the levy should be dropped.

Catholic priests in the diocese agreed to consult with parishes on raising money for the controversial fund.

The fund was set up by the Irish bishops to fund child protection initiatives and provide financial redress to victims of child sexual abuse by priests.