On behalf of Bishop Séamus Freeman, SAC., who is currently on sick
leave, and on behalf of the Diocese of Ossory, I welcome today’s
publication of the Review of Safeguarding Practice in the Diocese of Ossory, undertaken by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland.
This Review is the result of the invitation by Bishop Freeman in June
2012, to the NBSCCCI to examine all Safeguarding files as well as all
Policies and Procedures in the Diocese of Ossory.
In the wake of this Review, I am conscious of, and express my
heartfelt sorrow to all who have suffered as a result of abuse by Church
personnel. My thoughts and prayers are with you today. I am deeply
sorry for what has happened to you and to your families and I pray that
the Lord Jesus will give you healing and peace.
The Safeguarding Report follows a full review in June of this year of
safeguarding case files as well as interviews with key safeguarding
personnel in our diocese and in the statutory authorities, i.e. An
Gardai Siochana and HSE.
I confirm both An Garda Siochana and HSE
personnel have been made aware of all allegations and I want to thank
them for their work with us. The diocese remains committed through our
Inter Agency Meetings (Diocese, An Garda Siochana and HSE) to working
with the statutory agencies to ensure that all aspects of children’s
welfare are managed promptly and professionally.
The diocese fully accepts the findings of this Review and all 12
recommendations contained therein towards improving our safeguarding
practice. I am glad to say that a number of these recommendations have
already been implemented and all listed recommendations will form part
of our revised Policy and Procedures.
I wish to thank priests, religious, laity and all diocesan
safeguarding personnel who work tirelessly to ensure that best
safeguarding practice is adhered to in our diocese. The Diocese of
Ossory values and encourages the participation of children in parish
liturgies and in activities that enhance their spiritual, emotional and
social development.
If you have a safeguarding concern I encourage you to contact our
Designated Team, An Garda Siochana and/or HSE. Contact details are
displayed in all churches in our diocese and also included on our
website: www.ossory.ie.
I draw your attention to the Counselling service Towards Healing, which assists survivors of child abuse. The telephone number is 1 800 30 34 16.