Bishop Hegarty clarifies position on abuse cover-up claims

The Bishop of Derry says his diocese was not behind the confidentiality agreement in an out of court settlement with a woman who claims she was abused.
Seamus Hegarty was involved in reaching the deal with a woman who alleged she was abused by an unnamed priest between 1979 and 1989.
In a statement this evening, the Bishop says the confidentiality agreement was proposed by one of the other parties involved in the case and in order to reach a settlement, the diocese agreed.
The civil action was settled in 2000 – without admission of liability.
12,000 pounds was paid to the alleged victim – subject to a confidentiality agreement.