Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Elphin meets 47 out of 48 criteria

The NBSCCCI's review of practice in the Diocese of Elphin has concluded that of the 48 criteria set out, the diocese has fully met 47.

It partially met one of them, relating to the gathering of feedback on policy and procedures from parents and children.

The review examined complaints or concerns received relating to 16 priests between January 1975 and November 2012.

It found that the incidence of abuse allegations within the diocese was not unusually high, but that they contain a significant number of allegations "which upon investigation were shown to be unfounded".

During the period examined, the review notes that 19 allegations were reported to the gardaí but no priests of the diocese were convicted of having committed an offence against a child or young person.

The work undertaken by the diocese on policies and procedures was very impressive, according to the review.

It noted that in general, allegations were reported promptly to the statutory authorities.

It found that in cases of delay, these arose through a belief that the allegation had already been reported or through a misunderstanding that another Church authority had already done so.