The review was carried out in November 2010 by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church. It reports on the work undertaken in the diocese to make it a safer place for children. It also reviews the management of allegations against priests in the diocese and provides a statistical summary of these.
The statistical data in the Review cover a period of seven decades, from the 1940s until 2010. During that period there were allegations of abuse against seven priests of the diocese of Kilmore. One priest was convicted in the courts of abuse of a minor and is currently serving a sentence.
Each allegation represents a person who has suffered and my thoughts today are very much with the survivors of abuse. I am aware that the publication of this and other Reviews of Child Safeguarding today may reopen painful wounds of those who have suffered abuse at the hands of priests. I once again apologise to them and express my anger and deep sadness that they experienced this betrayal by those who should have brought them Christ’s love and compassion
The review observes "that cumulative learning and experience have helped to develop practice and decision making in the diocese". I hope the review will give some measure of reassurance to victims, their families and to all parents and families, that the diocese has high standards of safeguarding and is open to continued enhancement of current and future practice and so contribute to making it a safe place for children.
The review commends "the enthusiasm and commitment of staff and volunteers". I join with that commendation and thank them for their generosity. I wish to thank also our dedicated priests and all others who have worked so diligently to improve and maintain high standards in our continuing commitment to safeguarding children. I want to express also our appreciation for the advice and support of the Garda Síochána and the HSE locally, particularly in relation to the management of allegations.
Those who wish to access support or counseling may avail of the Towards Healing service: Towards Healing is the free and confidential helpline and counseling refettal service which has replaced Faoisheamh.
Towards Healing is providing an extended service from today as follows:
* From 11.00 am to 11.00 pm on 30th November, 1st and 2nd December and
* From 11.00 am to 8.00 pm on 3rd and 4th December
The helpline can be contacted by calling:
Freephone 1800-303416 from anywhere in Ireland
And on 0800-0963315 from Northern Ireland and the UK.
As the safety of children is of paramount importance I encourage anyone with a specific concern to contact the statutory authorities. They may also contact the Diocesan Designated Person, Suzie Duffy, at 049 4375004.
Further details are on our website: www.kilmorediocese.ie
Leo O’Reilly
Bishop of Kilmore