Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has denied claims by a survivor of abuse that he 'had his wings clipped' at the hierarchy's meeting with Pope Benedict in Rome this week.
Dr Martin was speaking after meeting survivors of abuse for the first time since the Vatican summit on the Murphy report.
Archbishop Martin also said that if senior clerics, who have criticised parts of the Murphy Report, are unhappy with it they should challenge it in the High Court.
Dr Martin also became the first bishop to admit that there are divisions among the Irish bishops on how to handle the legacy of clerical child abuse.
Earlier a spokeswoman for survivors of abuse has said they are deeply disappointed that the Catholic Church has not accepted unequivocal responsibility for their abuse.
Maeve Lewis, Director of the One in Four support group, was speaking following the meeting between survivors and Archbishop Martin.
Another member of the delegation, Marie Collins, accused the Vatican of clipping the Archbishop's wings, a claim which was denied by Dr Martin.
Ms Collins said the meeting left her in despair and that Archbishop Martin was not as strong as he had been before going to Rome for the summit.
Survivors say they are angry the Pope did not address issues they raised in an open letter.
