diocesan

But the state’s progressive Supreme Court held 4-3 that a diocesan Catholic Charities arm didn’t qualify, because its “activities are secular in nature.”

Archdeacon Pierpoint is hopeful the groups can return soon once permission is granted by the diocesan authorities and Dublin City Council for reinternment.

That will see the creation of an independent central safeguarding team for the Church - but with diocesan and cathedral safeguarding officers continuing in the same roles.

The first involves creating an independent central safeguarding team for the Church - but with diocesan and cathedral safeguarding officers continuing in the same roles.

A separate inquiry into diocesan accounts is being carried out by the Scottish charity regulator.