Taoiseach calls on Brady to 'reflect' on Smyth documentary revelations
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said today that Cardinal Sean Brady needs to "reflect" on the contents of a BBC documentary on Fr Brendan Smyth.
The Cardinal has issued a statement to say he feels betrayed that those who had the authority in the church to stop Fr Brendan Smyth from abusing children, failed to act on the evidence he gave them.
Last night's TV programme claimed that information was given to an investigating team of clerics, which included the Cardinal, who was a priest at the time, about other children who were being abused by Fr Smyth in 1975.
However, that information was not passed on to the families or law enforcement authorities.
Responding to the documentary, Cardinal Brady said he had no authority over Brendan Smyth.
He said he assumed and trusted that when the evidence was brought to the Abbot of Kilnacrott, he would deal decisively with Brendan Smyth to prevent him from abusing others.
Cardinal Brady said he was simply a notary, or note taker, in the process but he did not lead the 1975 church investigation.
