RTE TO DEFEND ALLEGATIONS AGAINST AHASCRAGH PRIEST

Date Published: 08-Jul-2011

In an upcoming libel action by a Galway priest, RTE says it's to stand over a Prime Time broadcast on alleged abuse of children by missionaries in Africa.

Parish priest of Ahascragh, Fr Kevin Reynolds of the Mill Hill Missionaries claims the programme wrongly accused him of raping an underage girl and fathering her child.

Fr. Reynolds stepped aside from his ministry in Ahascragh on the direction of the Bishop of Elphin after the programme aired last May.

The High Court has heard he's offered to take a paternity test and RTE has agreed.

The broadcaster says it will be pleading justification in its defence.