- “I am conscious that, behind every paragraph is the experience of real people who, as children, suffered abuse and violence in a place where they should have been safe” Bishop Doran
I have been reading through the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders. It is not easy reading by any means, but I am conscious that, behind every paragraph is the experience of real people who, as children, suffered abuse and violence in a place where they should have been safe. They have the right to tell their story. The tragedy of the report is not simply that there are so many of them, but that so many of them had to carry their experience alone for so many years, before they felt sufficiently free to tell someone else.
While the report relates specifically to Religious-run schools, it would be naive in the extreme to suggest that child abuse was not also a reality in other schools, whether Catholic or of any other tradition. Sadly, sexual abuse, has been endemic in our society. Both the Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin supported the work of the Scoping Inquiry, and we will certainly respond to any further enquiry that is deemed appropriate.
Survivors of abuse in schools are living in all our parishes. They are our brothers and sisters. As a bishop, I want to offer my sincere apology to all those who have been affected by abuse in the context of Church. I know from past experience that these words, however well intended, may sound hollow to survivors and their families. I appreciate that actions speak louder than words. Together with the safeguarding teams in both dioceses, I am committed to ensuring that the policies and procedures which have been put in place for the safeguarding of children will continue to be fully implemented. The Report serves only to renew that commitment. I encourage all our clergy and parishioners to be alert to anything which might put children at risk of harm and I encourage anyone who has a concern, a suspicion or knowledge of abuse to speak to the trained safeguarding personnel in our schools and dioceses, or to report them directly to An Garda Síochána or to Tusla.
CONTACTS: Designated Liaison Persons
Diocese of Elphin:
- Mary Nicholson, St. Mary’s, Temple Street, Sligo. Tel: 086 3750277
- Helen Diskin, c/o St. Mary’s, Temple Street, Sligo. Tel: 087 0516888
Diocese of Achonry:
- Anne Leonard, Bishop’s House, Convent Road, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon. Tel: 087 6474136
TUSLA (Child and Family Agency) – Duty Social Work Contact Details
Sligo 071-9155133
Leitrim 071-9650324
Roscommon 090-6637528
Galway 091-546366
Athlone 090-6483106
Mayo 094-9042283
Garda Confidential Service
1800 555 222
ENDS
- Bishop Kevin Doran is Bishop of Elphin and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Achonry
