THE Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry is examining how Brendan Smyth could have been prevented from abusing hundreds of children.
Smyth's abuse has already been described by several witnesses who have given evidence to the inquiry, which is being heard at Banbridge Courthouse, Co Down.
This week the panel is examining what opportunities there were to prevent Smyth carrying out the abuse of children and whether any action, or inaction, amounted to systemic failings.
Former Primate of All Ireland Cardinal Sean Brady, who was part of a much-criticised Church investigation in 1975, is due to give evidence on Thursday.
In one of three written statements, the Cardinal has said: "Sadly at that time there was a culture within the Church of secrecy and silence and it was felt that matters could be dealt with within the Church structures.
"There was not a proper understanding of the devastating consequences of child abuse. Many of the bishops believed that psychiatric treatment of the individual perpetrator was an adequate response.
"The full horror and long-lasting impact of such criminal behaviour has now been grasped."
Belfast-born Smyth, who joined the Norbertines in 1945, sexually abused children in Northern Ireland, the Republic, Wales, Italy and the US.
During the 1990s, he spent three years on the run from the RUC, staying mainly at Kilnacrott Abbey in Co Cavan.
The scandal led to the downfall of the Fianna Fail/Labour coalition in 1994.
Smyth died in prison in 1997 after being convicted of dozens of charges of child abuse on both sides of the border. His remains were secretly buried at Kilnacrott.
Former abbot Fr Kevin Smith publicly apologised to Smyth's victims in 2012 after coming under fire for failing to warn parishes about the abuser.
