Parishioners planned a protest outside the local church Sunday, but the demonstration was called off when it emerged that the priest involved in the communion presentation, the Rev. Martin McVeigh, would not be present at Mass.

In a statement, parents have questioned why the priest has not been suspended by the archdiocese pending its investigation.

The latest controversy comes after a series of child sex abuse scandals involving Catholic Church clergy in Ireland.

In March, the Vatican released a major report into the problem, begging forgiveness from victims.

However, victims hit out at the report's finding that new safeguards are working.