PRESS RELEASE
24 January 2009
Minister Andrews, Cardinal Brady and Archbishop Martin discuss the safeguarding of children in society
Minister Andrews welcomed the outcome of the Bishops’ special meeting on Safeguarding Children, which was held yesterday in Maynooth. In particular, Minister Andrews welcomed the Bishops’ renewed commitment to providing all of the information in Section 5 of the HSE audit; the Bishops’ statement to sign a written commitment to implement the new safeguarding and guidance materials of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church; and, their review of current practice and risk in the safeguarding of children within their dioceses.
In the light of agreement by all present to separate the completion of Section 5 of the HSE audit, from issues of soft information which all accepted present legal difficulties, it was agreed that a fresh mechanism would be found to enable Bishops to provide the information that had been requested in the HSE Audit, Section 5.
The meeting also discussed the potential for statutory and voluntary authorities to strengthen cooperation, within the State and at an all-Ireland level, in the best interest of child protection.
Cardinal Brady, Archbishop Martin and Minster Andrews agreed that further meetings would be convened to process important issues concerning the safeguarding of children.
ENDS
Further information:
Martin Long, Director of Communications 086 172 7678