The Catholic Church in Ireland faced fresh allegations of mishandling child sex abuse yesterday following claims that a bishop was party to swearing to secrecy a girl abused by a priest in an out-of-court settlement.

The Bishop of Derry has been accused of being involved in a compensation deal to cover up alleged child sex abuse. Dr Seamus Hegarty was one of three priests named in a civil settlement after an eight-year-old girl was abused over a 10-year period from 1979.

Residential care outreach team leader Layne Walker has won Northern Ireland social work’s major individual award for outstanding achievement after showing “passion, energy and commitment” in his role.

The valuable contribution social workers make to the lives of individuals and communities in Northern Ireland has been officially recognised.

A new £9 million mental health facility which has opened in south Belfast will make a real difference to young people, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has said.

A 35-year-old woman is to go on trial at Londonderry Crown Court accused of stealing more than £64,000 from the residents of a care home.

A health Trust report into a Belfast nursery at the centre of a police investigation has found that staff were not fully aware of child protection issues.

A £10 million centre which will bring health and social services in Belfast under one roof was opened on Thursday. Physiotherapy, dental work and nursing will be available at Knockbreda Health and Care Centre.

Leading Sinn Fein member Padraic Wilson has moved to detail how he dealt with a case of sexual abuse after it was reported to senior party members.

Pressure continued to grow on Gerry Adams, the Sinn Fein leader, today after his party was forced to admit that it has suspended a member over allegations of child sex abuse.