The majority of the recommendations have been implemented and the remainder will be completed as speedily as possible.
Firstly, I re-iterate my sincere
apologies to those who have been harmed in this manner by priests of the
Diocese. What happened to them was an outrageous betrayal of the
priests’ calling and deserves our complete condemnation. Their suffering
continues and we once again offer them not only our prayers but
assistance in any way we can.
The report by the National Board for
Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) on
safeguarding practice in Cashel & Emly is generally very positive
and complimentary for which we are grateful. I warmly thank them for
this on behalf of the priests and people of the Diocese.
It is a testament to the commitment and
hard work of all those who endeavour to ensure that our practices and
procedures are the best we can possibly make them. However, there can be
no room for complacency. The hard work must continue so that we can be
assured that the children and young adults in our midst are kept safe
from harm. Vigilance is essential as the threat of harm does not go
away.
Therefore, we must be constantly on our guard and keep in place
the necessary structures to enable those who have any evidence, or
suspicions, of wrongdoing to take appropriate action such as informing
the Designated Officer, the Gardai or the HSE.
While the structures are hugely
important, the safeguarding of children in our Diocese could not have
been the subject of complimentary remarks from the NBSCCCI without the
work being done on a daily basis by the priests, religious and the many
volunteers. I very much appreciate the wonderful work they continue to
do.
I am most grateful to the Diocesan
Committee for Safeguarding Children, the Child Protection Delegate, Bill
Meagher, and Sr. Carmel Bourke, the Diocesan Child Protection
Co-ordinator. I would also like to thank the National Board for
Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church for their guidance and
assistance over the past number of years.
I also appreciate this
valuable and helpful assessment of safeguarding policies and practices
in our Diocese.
I can assure the people of the Diocese
that we will continue to do everything in our power to protect the
children and young people involved in Church activities.
The work
continues.
But, please keep in your prayers those who suffered and
continue to suffer.