I welcome the Review of Safeguarding Practice in the Diocese of
Killala undertaken by The National Board for Safeguarding Children in
the Catholic Church in Ireland.Together with the other bishops and religious leaders, I am deeply conscious of and apologise once more for the pain suffered by the victims of clerical abuse. I pray that the findings of this Review will give them hope.
I am encouraged greatly by the findings of the Review; that the highest standards of best practice are now in place in this diocese.
The aims of this diocese are to ensure a safe environment for children and young people, where risks are minimized, where those affected by abuse are supported, where offenders are brought to justice and where all allegations are dealt with justly and promptly.
I wish to thank the priests of the diocese, the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee, the Local Safeguarding Representatives in each parish, the trainers and the trained, the National Office for Safeguarding Children, the HSE, as well as the countless people in each parish who have worked hard to reach these high standards.
Our efforts show a local Church working well together in the interest of children.