From Dublin.
From both the Irish and Australian perspective;  Catholics know the truth from Judicial Reviews commissioned by both governments. We know that that Cardinal Ratzinger as head o the CDF, dictated that all credible accusations on abuse be sent directly to him. He would decide what action was required  by the diocesan bishops. He was so inundated with files and drew a line somewhere around 2002 . Irish bishops privately expressed their frustration with Benedict's 2010 Pastoral Letter, apologising to Irish Catholics for the clerical child abuse scandal; blaming mismanagement by the Irish bishops. They said they were following the strict instructions laid down by the Vatican. Muller's comments are disingenuous and an insult to Catholic communities worldwide. It was never the case, that diocesan bishops could make up their own minds on action required. It was dictated and enforced by the Curia, who required that they be contacted immediately there was a credible complaint.