I welcome and fully accept the findings of the NBSCCCI Review of Safeguarding Practice in the Diocese of Elphin which we have just published.Today, my immediate thoughts are with the survivors of child abuse everywhere and particularly within the Diocese of Elphin. Abuse of children in any form is reprehensible and completely unacceptable. It is a serious crime and a grave sin.
It has caused incalculable damage to the lives of innocent children and their families. Such abuse is even more grievous when it is perpetrated by individuals who hold a position of trust and even more so when these same individuals profess a gospel which speaks of love, justice and care for the most vulnerable in society.
To anyone who has been abused by clergy in the Diocese of Elphin and to their families and friends, I want to reiterate my sincere sorrow and regret that such crimes were perpetrated.
I am acutely aware that my words of apology fall shamefully short and are totally inadequate. Having personally met and listened to survivors of abuse who have recounted their harrowing experience, I am horrified at their pain and suffering and humbled by their bravery.
Again, I encourage anyone who has suffered the cruel injustice of abuse as a child to report the matter to the Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána or the Diocese seeking support and help.
The publication of today’s Review, for the first time, details an independent objective assessment of current diocesan safeguarding practice. It documents the progress the Diocese has made in terms of establishing robust safeguarding policies and procedures.
These proactive safeguarding measures endeavour to guarantee that all church activities within the Diocese of Elphin are a safe place for children to be involved. They also ensure that complaints or concerns with regard to child abuse are dealt with in a prompt, sensitive and professional manner always in conjunction with the HSE and An Garda Síochána.
While I am greatly heartened by the findings of the Review in terms of the Diocese’s high standards in current safeguarding practice, it is imperative that our work in this area remains a key priority as we continually strive to fully protect and safeguard children in our care.
I take this opportunity to thank all the people who have been involved in the safeguarding structures in the Diocese over the years: The Director of Safeguarding, Designated Persons, Priests, the Safeguarding Committee, the Case Management Committee, Support Persons, and the Director of our Pastoral Development Office.
I thank local Parish Representatives, Trainers, Parents and all those who work hard in a voluntary capacity at diocesan and parish level to ensure that we are doing all in our power to safeguard children and all who are involved in church activities.
I thank the HSE and An Garda Síochána for their professional advice and assistance over the years.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr Elliott and all the Staff at the National Office for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church for the diligent professional manner in which they have carried out this Review and for their continuing guidance.
I urge everyone involved in our Diocese both laity and clergy to take time to read and reflect on the review for themselves.