Statement of Bishop Leo O’Reilly on the publication of the second safeguarding review report on the Diocese of Kilmore

11 Sep 2018

I welcome the completion of the second review of safeguarding practice in the Diocese of Kilmore.  The review was carried out by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland during February and March 2018.  Our first review, carried out in 2010, focused mainly on the management of cases, and on safeguarding files and other documentation extending back to 1975.  The outcome of that review, which was undertaken by the then CEO of the National Board for Safeguarding Children, Mr Ian Elliott, was encouraging and its very positive conclusion is noted in the recent review. 

The 2018 review examined new case management files since 2010 and also earlier files that were still “active”.  However, on this occasion the main emphasis was on current safeguarding practice in the diocese.  We are very encouraged by the findings of the review and the words of affirmation and encouragement, by the CEO of the National Board for Safeguarding Children, Ms Teresa Devlin, for the work of all our safeguarding personnel.  In particular, I wish to acknowledge the contribution of our Director of Safeguarding, Designated Liaison Persons, Diocesan Safeguarding Committee, Trainers, Advisory Panel, Priests, Parish Safeguarding Representatives and Support Persons.  I thank them all for their generosity and hard work, the vast bulk of which is done on a voluntary basis.

Mindful of all those who have been harmed in the Catholic Church in Ireland over the years, we renew our commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards of safeguarding practice in the Diocese of Kilmore.

Ends

Notes to Editors

For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678 and Emma Sisk 00353 (0) 86 145 6694.