It's also been confirmed that all members of the clergy who hold Derry Diocesan appointments - including the local bishops - have already been vetted by the PSNI.

In 2006 it became a statutory requirement for all new clergy, staff and volunteers to be vetted but the Derry Diocese has taken it one step further. With the country reeling from the grisly findings of the Ryan report into institutional clerical abuse in Ireland, it's been revealed that anyone working with children or vulnerable people in the diocese is to be checked out as a precaution.

Fr Michael Canny, Administrator at St Eugene's Cathedral, said the move was part of the Diocesan Child Protection policy in an effort to redress the perceived "betrayal of trust by the clergy".

"In this parish all paid employees have also been vetted by police and at present most volunteers who are involved with young or vulnerable people have gone through the process. This means that very soon all people - clergy, paid and voluntary workers who are in close contact with children and vulnerable people will have been vetted by police," he said.

No guarantee
"I cannot guarantee 100% success but I hope we will not be found wanting in determination to ensure a safe environment for all," he added.

Fr Canny warned abusers that there "can be no excuses or hiding places".
"Children and vulnerable people must be cherished and cared for at all times and people who engage in criminality must be dealt with by the legal process," he said.

However, he added that "despite the horrendous litany of past abuses", he remained hopeful that full confidence in the church would be restored.

"I believe that in time the Catholic Church can be an exemplar of good practice. This to many may seem to be impossible, but given the huge number of committed lay people who are giving their time and expertise I believe it is achievable. The criminal activity of people in positions of trust as well as inaction by people in positions of leadership has meant that there is a lack of confidence and this is understandable. Restoring confidence will take time and there may be setbacks but I am confidant that working together the future will be much safer than the past. "