NBSCCCI highlights the impact Data Protection Acts has had on National Board's ability to monitor safeguarding.

The ACP said that clear and direct policies plus a robust evaluation has meant that the Catholic Church is now a much safer place for children and vulnerable adults.

Bulk of 86 new allegations relate to the period from the 1950s up to the 1990s, with a sharp drop in numbers after the year 2000.

53 allegations against 44 priests, brothers or sisters between 1941 and 2009 resulted in no convictions.