Trustees at the seminary in Maynooth are to conduct a review into the use of the internet by trainee priests.

In a statement this week, they said reviewing the appropriate use of the internet is part of efforts to limit “any sort of behaviour which contradicts the teaching and example of Jesus Christ”.

Portlaoise Curate Fr Paddy Byrne said having a policy on social media is not about building walls, but about ensuring maturity and integrity.

“One of the big gifts that the church has, the Christian church … the Catholic tradition is ocmmunication, it’s all about communication, and it’s all about good news,” he said.