The Church of Ireland bishop-elect of Cork, Andrew Orr, previously admitted to forging bank statements and misappropriating €1,000 from a fund designated for the poor between 2005 and 2007. A dossier of documents indicates a pattern of bookkeeping errors and financial irregularities during his tenure as rector in Castleknock, west Dublin.

These financial issues came to light in August 2006 when a new treasurer questioned a €21,500 transfer from the parish's main account to a discretionary fund, which Orr alone could access. Initially, Orr stated the money was for church building and fencing work. However, an independent audit later found the discretionary fund was operated improperly, though it found no evidence of personal financial gain.

The discretionary fund was intended for small amounts to assist those in need within the community, with a typical annual income of €5,000 generated from fundraising. However, records showed the fund frequently operated at an overdraft of €33,000 to €35,000.

Concerns about fictitious fencing work and forged bank statements escalated. Orr presented what appeared to be Ulster Bank statements, which he later admitted were falsified. A finance committee report stated he "forged the bank logo onto a piece of paper and made up false transactions to show the DF [discretionary fund] operating correctly."

In early 2007, Orr admitted to "foolish things" but denied taking funds. Bank records revealed a €1,000 check debited from the discretionary fund and lodged into his personal account. He claimed this was to obscure the recipient's reluctance to receive a check outside of Christmas, a convoluted explanation that was later questioned. Another query involved a €1,100 bank draft made payable to Orr and his wife, which he explained was due to difficulty accessing the discretionary fund's checkbook.

Following these revelations, a no-confidence motion against Orr's leadership was passed in September 2008 with 12 votes in favor, none against, and two abstentions. The motion cited a "lack of respect for the formal committee structure" and an "irretrievable breakdown" in communication.

A spokeswoman for the Church of Ireland stated that the events occurred approximately 20 years ago and were "investigated fully and resolved at the time." She noted that Orr experienced a "breakdown while in ministry" during that period, which affected parish administration. The church confirmed that an external accountant assisted in sorting parish finances and that a report assured no funds were misappropriated for personal gain. The spokeswoman added that due diligence has been exercised in his subsequent promotions and that Orr "recovered fully and, during the two decades since, has contributed almost 20 years of fruitful ministry." The church expressed disappointment that these "anonymous allegations have been articulated despite a full investigation at the time."

Orr was elected Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross in June of this year. His consecration date has not yet been set.