Gardai are investigating a child protection complaint against a priest in Co Cavan.
The priest has voluntarily stepped aside from his position in the Diocese of Kilmore while the investigation is carried out.
The details of the allegation are not clear, however, in a statement Bishop Leo O’Reilly says it relates to events which took place a considerable time ago.
And he says it is important to stress that the priest enjoys the right to the presumption of innocence while the investigation is underway.