The Church of Ireland says personnel at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin engaged fully with the authorities regarding a lay worker, Patrick O'Brien - who was yesterday charged with indecently assaulting 10 boys.

In a statement, it says the concern of the Church of Ireland is first and foremost for any victims involved in the allegations and that the matter was reported to gardaí and the Child and Family Agency, Tusla.

The Church of Ireland says it seeks to ensure the safety and welfare of children at all times across all its churches, through the implementation of its child protection policy 'Safeguarding Trust'.

In conclusion, the statement said the individual is not a past or present employee of the cathedral.

Mr O'Brien (76) - with an address at Knocklyon Road in Templeogue - was charged with indecently assaulting the boys over a 13-year period.

He is accused of carrying out the assaults at various locations including in Co Galway, Kildare, Westmeath and at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin on dates between 1977 and 1990.