CHURCH REACTION:THE BISHOP of Cloyne, Dr John Magee, last night pledged to co-operate fully with a Government-established inquiry into the operation of child protection policies and practices in his diocese, writes Barry Roche, Southern Correspondent
In a statement yesterday, the Catholic Diocese of Cloyne noted the decision of the Cabinet to ask the Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Investigation to examine the operation of practices and policies in relation to child protection.
"Bishop Magee will give every possible co-operation to the commission in carrying out its task," the statement read.
It added that the diocese accepted the findings of the HSE report into the management of child sex abuse issues in the diocese. "As has been outlined in the report, the diocese engaged fully with the HSE in the preparation of this report and we agreed action to be taken which would enhance the capacity of the diocese in the area of child protection," the statement said.
These steps included the appointment of a new Child Protection Delegate, the acceptance of recommendations from the National Board for Safeguarding Children (NBSC), and agreement with the HSE to collaborate fully with the agency in refining child protection practices.
The statement from the diocese reiterated Bishop Magee's acceptance in his address to the people of Cloyne on Christmas Eve that he was "taking full responsibility for the implementation of all recommendations made in the NBSC report".
The NBSC, which issued its damning report last month, was established by the Catholic Church but operates independently of it.
Bishop Magee has also contacted Ian Elliott, chairman of the NBSC, stating that he will sign the commitment requested by the board of all bishops as soon as it becomes available, the diocese said.
"Bishop Magee wishes to again sincerely apologise to all victims of abuse by priests of the Diocese of Cloyne, and to urge any person who has been abused or has concerns about child protection to contact the gardaí, the HSE or the diocese," the statement ran.
Cardinal Seán Brady also welcomed yesterday's decision by Minister for Children Barry Andrews which referred the Diocese of Cloyne to the Dublin Archdiocese Commission of Investigation, saying the measures were "aimed at restoring full confidence in the church's work to safeguard children".
Cardinal Brady said: "I am conscious that current events concerning the handling of allegations by the Diocese of Cloyne have brought further anxiety to victims of abuse. These events have also brought into question the efforts of thousands of volunteers and trained personnel who are fully committed to implementing best practice in safeguarding children within the church. I realise the extent to which many people feel let down and angry.
"Today's developments raise important issues for those with responsibility for safeguarding children in the Diocese of Cloyne. However, I am heartened by the Minister's recognition that strides have been 'taken in recent times in the Diocese [of Cloyne] to improve the manner in which child protection matters are handled'.
"I also welcome the announcement that the Minister's Office and the HSE will be engaging with the National Board for Safeguarding Children to explore how they can co-operate to ensure the highest standards of child safeguarding practice within the Catholic Church.
"I am confident that the competence and independence of the national board will play a key role in addressing the deficit of trust noted by the Minister."