IN THE WAKE of the Cloyne Report, Bishop Denis Brennan has assured
the parishioners in the Diocese of Ferns that every precaution is being
taken to protect children in the diocese.
In a letter, which was
read out in Masses across the Diocese of Ferns over the weekend, Bishop
Brennan said that he shared with 'with all right-minded citizens and
believers' the ' terrible shame, as has been occasioned afresh, by the
revelations of abuse and mismanagement, as have come to light following
the publication of The Cloyne Report'.
In a very frank and honest address, Bishop Brennan said that 'yet
again' his first thoughts were with the victims and their families and
'with all of you who again feel sorely shocked and let down'.
However, he went on to assure parishionsers in the Diocese of Ferns
every precaution is being taken to safeguard the children of the
Diocese.
' The Cloyne Report reminds us of the events as necessitated the
Ferns Report, when many were afforded, for the first time, the
opportunity to articulate their experiences in a structured, open and
supported manner.
' I would like to take this opportunity to restate to you my
knowledge and assurance that all safeguarding children allegations and
concerns in the diocese of Ferns - as have been reported to us in the
diocesan office - have been fully shared with the diocesan advisory
panel, the Gardaí, the HSE and the National Office. All the
recommendations received by the diocese from these bodies have been
implemented,' the letter read at Masses stated.
The Bishop added that the Diocese continues to work ' fully from
within an acceptance of the findings and recommendations of The Ferns
Report and from within the guidelines of the Safeguarding of Children
Handbook, as issued from the National Office.
' I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 93 safeguarding children parish representatives working within the diocese.
'I would also like to thank those who serve on the safeguarding
children work stream and the diocesan advisory panel,' he said.
The
Bishop went on to express his gratitude to members of the Inter Agency
Group - who schedule meetings between the Diocesan Child Care personnel
and members of the Gardai and the HSE since 2002 - and to the Holy See
for 'its determinations in the matters referred to it, as required by
the papal director Sacramentorum Sanctitatis tutela'.
The Bishop went on to inform parishioners that the Diocescan
Designated Officer is Ms. Marian Stack who can be contacted on
0851055992 and by email on marianstack@hotmail.com
The assistant Officer is Monsignor Denis Lennon, who can be contacted on 0539122177.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre have also reached out to victims across
the country following the publication of the Cloyne report which they
say will ' again reopen the woulds of the victims involved and other
victims around the country who had similar experiences'.
'It may also trigger people's memories for the first time,' said Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive of DRCC.
' There is a special Helpdesk number 1 800 742 800 and a National 24
Hour Helpline 1 800 77 88 88 for anyone who needs to speak to a trained
person who will give them support, guidance and information,' she added.