BishopAccountability.org
Bishop Colm O'Reilly Praised in Safeguarding Report

Midlands 103
November 30, 2011

http://www.midlandsradio.fm/news_detail.aspx?footer=1&news_id=13086

Bishop Colm O'Reilly Praised in Safeguarding Report

Bishop Colm O'Reilly is being commended for his commitment to protecting children.

It follows an investigation into safeguarding practices in Ardagh and Clonmacnoise from 1975 to 2010.

Today's report, released by the National Board for the Safeguarding of Children in the Catholic Church, states its appreciation of the "openness" shown by Bishop O'Reilly.

It said the case files examined were "well recorded" and "comprehensive in their content".

Of the fourteen allegations made to Gardaí concerning priests in the diocese over the 25 year period, only one is living and is no longer in the ministry.

The board made ten recommendations on training and administration and concluded the Bishop had shown a willingness to "follow the advice and keep the National Office staff updated on developments".

Of the five other released today, in Raphoe, Derry, Kilmore, Dromore and the Archdiocese of Tuam, Donegal's Raphoe comes in for harsh criticism for "significant errors of judgment" by successive bishops.

Bishop Philip Boyce has since acknowledged abuse did take place in the diocese and there was insufficient emphasis placed on the needs of victims in an attempt to protect the interests of the Church.


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