Responding to the conviction of Fr Jeremiah McGrath on the charge of facilitating a child sex offence, the Bishop of Clogher, Most Red Dr Joseph Duffy has confirmed the priest's future as a priest will now have to be considered.

"We are aware Fr Jeremiah McGrath has been convicted on serious criminal charges at Liverpool Crown Court," the Bishop said in a statement.

"This was a very sad and tragic case and our thoughts and prayers are with the child involved and with her family.

"As soon as the allegations came to light", he went on, " Fr McGrath was suspended from ministry, placed on administrative leave and was required to vacate the parochial house,.

"We co-operated fully with the police investigation of this matter. Fr McGrath's future as a priest will now be considered," he said.

"This is a complex process under Canon Law and will be carried out by his order, St Patrick's Missionary Society. He will also be subject to the Child Protection procedures of his Order.

"In all decisions made and actions taken in response to allegations and suspicions of child abuse, the welfare of the child is paramount. The principle is wholly consistent with the Gospel view that the child is at the heart of the Kingdom of God."

St Patrick's Missionary Society, Kiltegan, also released a response to the priest's conviction. It was issued on behalf of Fr Gary Howley, the Regional Superior of the order.

The statement read: "We are aware of the statement issued by Bishop Duffy and we fully concur with the content of that statement and associate ourselves with it.

"We can confirm that there had been no child protection concerns regarding Fr McGrath before he was arrested in December 2005," he continued.

"This was a very sad and tragic case, and our thoughts and prayers are with the child involved and with her family. In all decisions made and actions taken in response to allegations and suspicions of child abuse, the welfare of the child is paramount."