Fr Brendan Smyth was at the centre of the first major abuse scandal to rock the Catholic Church in Ireland and was found guilty of attacks dating back to 1975.
But the public inquiry will hear how complaints about Smyth were made to the Church almost 20 years before police became involved and he was jailed.
Former Irish primate, Cardinal Sean Brady, will give evidence to the HIA about his role in the scandal.
It's alleged the paedophile was moved around from church to church and even sent to different countries every time an allegation was made.
The long running HIA is one of the UK's largest inquiries into physical, sexual and emotional harm to children at homes run by the church, state and voluntary organisations.
Panel members of the inquiry have already heard details of Smyth's abuse and this week will focus on what opportunities there were to stop any further attacks.
Smyth died in prison in 1997 following a heart attack.
