THE leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland has said claims made directly to him about alleged child abuser and former vice-principal of St Columb's College in Derry Raymond Gallagher were later passed on to the PSNI.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, who is also a former pupil at the prestigious college, served as its president between 2000 - 2008.
In a statement he said he had been "following reports in the media in recent days about allegations of abuse" by Raymond Gallagher.
"I was a pupil at St Columb’s College from 1973 to 1980," he said.
"During that time Raymond Gallagher directed many of the choirs, musical ensembles and school shows in which I participated.
"When I returned to St Columb’s College as a teacher in September 1990, Raymond Gallagher was still on the staff of the college and remained there for a short while afterwards."
In a series of questions posed by The Irish News it was asked if Archbishop Martin was aware of any of the allegations made against Gallagher either as a pupil or member of staff or if any complaints were made about the former teacher while he was president.
Archbishop Martin said: "I can confirm that no complaints of abuse by Mr Raymond Gallagher, were made to me as a pupil, or as a member of the teaching staff, or as president of St Columb’s College."
He revealed that he received allegations about Gallagher several years ago.
"In 2018, I received an email here in Armagh alleging that Mr Raymond Gallagher was an abuser," he said.
"This email was immediately referred to our safeguarding officer and reported to the police."
There have been calls for St Columb's to be considered by an Inter-Departmental Working Group, which is currently looking at historical clerical child abuse and is chaired by former PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie.
Archbishop Martin says he has already met with Ms Gillepsie.
"I met with Judith Gillespie some time ago and pledged my full support and cooperation for her inquiry in whatever way she wishes to proceed," he said.
"Abuse of minors is a horrendous crime which causes lifelong damage to all impacted by it.
"I encourage survivors, and anyone with knowledge of abuse, to report it to the relevant statutory authorities and to cooperate fully with them in the investigation of these very serious crimes."
