Bishop Boyce responds to lead story in the Irish Independent

11 Aug 2011

PRESS RELEASE

11 August 2011

Statement by Bishop Philip Boyce in response to lead story today in the Irish Independent

In response to the alarmist article in today’s (11 August 2011) Irish Independent, I wish to state that it is inaccurate, misleading and as such is not in the public interest.  I intend formally to complain about the matter.  I am shocked to read a sentence in the article stating that: “There were hundreds and hundreds of victims, and they were abused again and again while the church actively prevented investigations by the civil authorities”.  I wish to assure the people of the Diocese of Raphoe that this assertion is simply not true.  Furthermore it is seriously damaging to the good work of the many trained volunteers who are actively committed to safeguarding children in all of the parishes of the diocese.

All allegations of abuse made known to the Diocese of Raphoe are reported to An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive.  As I have stated on many occasions, I invited Ian Elliot and his team from the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church to conduct a review of the diocesan files relating to child abuse allegations.  I gave them my full co-operation and they examined all files.  When I receive the final report from the National Board, probably next month, I am committed to publishing the review.  I will be happy to respond to media queries at that time.

+Philip Boyce
Diocese of Raphoe

Media Contacts:
Father Paddy Dunne, Communications Officer for the Diocese of Raphoe 00353 (87) 6880545, and the Catholic Communications Office, Maynooth, 00353 (1) 5053017