Parish incomes in the Archdiocese of Tuam have dropped by up to 15 percent in the past few years.

It follows revelations that the Archdiocese of Dublin is in serious financial difficulty.

According to today's Irish Times, the audited accounts for the Archdiocese of Tuam show a drop in income in many parishes.

A statement from the Archdiocese says parishes have experiences a slight decline in mass attendance, which could be contributing to the drop in income.

Another possible reason according to the statement is the negative publicity in relation to child safeguarding.

The salaries of priests in the Archdiocese of Tuam, who earn 1,760 euro a month before tax, have not increased since 2008.