THE BODY RESPONSIBLE for overseeing the safety of children in the Catholic Church will today publish reports on eight church bodies.

The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church will today publish audits into the response by Christian Brothers into allegations of abuse in day schools.

Also included will be an audit of the diocese of Down and Connor, the largest diocese that has been reviewed to date.

The board has been examining the work of church bodies in responding to allegations of abuse by examining church files dating back to 1975.

The Bishop of Down and Connor Noel Treanor has previously accused the board of “spinning against the Church”, an allegation he later withdrew.

The Bishop of Armagh, Cardinal Sean Brady will also be keen for his diocese to receive a positive report, following criticism of him for swearing teenage victims of paedophile priest Brendan Smyth to secrecy.

The reports will be published on diocesan websites at around 10am.

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