Letter from Bishop Noel Treanor to the Diocese of Down and Connor -
Independent Review of Cases of Alleged Clerical Abuse in Down and Connor
As you know, the Diocese has made a massive effort over the past decade to strengthen and professionalise its work in the safeguarding and protection of children. The paramountcy principle, in short, putting the safety and protection of children first, has guided our best efforts and has been the inspiration of the many women and men who have volunteered to implement the necessary measures in our parishes and organisations.
With this letter I wish to inform you of recent steps that have been taken within the Diocese of Down and Connor and of future plans and intentions. The background for this initiative is provided by Standard 7 of Safeguarding Children : Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church in Ireland, issued by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church, September 2008.
This Standard 7 recommends on-going reviews of steps being taken by a diocese in respect of policies, plans and procedures. In line with this recommendation I decided that, beyond an internal review of all diocesan files concerned, in order to provide the diocese, its clergy and its faithful parishioners with a clear and unequivocal base line in the matter of the management of historic cases and the implementation of current Child Protection policy in the Catholic Church, I would engage an independent, external and professional Third Party to conduct such a review with unlimited access to those files.
The Review involved an examination of all diocesan case files of living and deceased priests pertaining to allegations of abuse in the possession of the Diocesan Curia and it covers a period of fifty years (1961-2011). All data were made available to the reviewers. A Data Protection Deed was established and entered into in order that the review might proceed in compliance with the Law and Human Rights Law in particular.
The Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) has been made aware of the review. I have provided it with an update on work of the Diocesan Safeguarding Office and I have shared with relevant officials the broad outcome of this Review.
I hope that survivors of the horrific and sinful crime of abuse will recognise this step as an effort to render the Church in this diocese more effective and thorough in dealing with the abuse of children and the issues connected with it. I trust that this 2011 review and its recommendations will make a modest, but nonetheless groundbreaking contribution to the morale of the clergy, religious and faithful. I also trust that it will give further assurance to society at large in respect of Child Protection within the Catholic Church in Down and Connor.
The Review and its recommendations are also crucial to the longstanding and ongoing efforts of the diocese to ensure that the Diocesan Safeguarding Office is equipped to fulfil its role and responsibilities. It is my intention to implement the recommendations with the help of all who assist and support the diocese in these matters at parish, diocesan and National Board levels so that together we can foster good practice, accountability and transparency as we seek to develop a culture and practice of vigilance in regard to the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
I wish to assure you all of my profound thanks for the support you give the Diocesan Safeguarding Office and for the work you carry out in the parishes of our diocese together with the priests and all who give of their time to work for the benefit of children and young people and to ensure their protection and safety.
Assuring you of my prayers and good wishes,
+ Noel Treanor
Bishop of Down and Connor
