Cowen: Church authorities must decide on fate of Brady
Taoiseach Brian Cowen has said it is up to the Church authorities to decide on the future of Cardinal Seán Brady.
Dr Brady is under pressure to step down after it emerged he was present in 1975 when two young victims of paedophile priest Brendan Smyth were asked to sign an oath of secrecy.
Speaking in California Mr Cowen said the lessons of the past must be learned.
However he refused to say if he believed Cardinal Brady should remain in office saying it was a matter for the church to deal with its own internal problems.
"I'm just anxious to ensure obviously that the State discharges its responsibilities," Mr Cowen said.
"The Church has its own issues to deal with as an institution and they should be dealt with in that context."
