Diocese of Achonry

Statement on the publication of the report of the

Commission of Investigation into the Archdiocese of Dublin

The publication of the Dublin Report brings home to us again that terrible crimes were committed by priests against children over many years. The trauma suffered and the scars that remain are immense. Our hearts go out to all victims of child abuse, in every diocese as well as Dublin. Many victims did not get the hearing they deserved and complaints were not acted upon swiftly or competently by diocesan authorities, and we are deeply sorry about that.

The Diocese of Achonry is working very closely with the HSE to ensure we are fully compliant with the National Child Protection guidelines. We work closely too with An Garda Síochána. All priests have completed Safeguarding training with the HSE , and the training of lay representatives from all parishes is nearing completion. The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church is now established and has promulgated new Guidelines ‘Safeguarding Children’, and the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee is working to ensure these guidelines are put in place throughout the diocese.

If any person has a concern about any Child Protection issue, the contact person in the Achonry Diocese is Fr Joseph Gavigan, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon (094)9860011. The Gárdaí and the HSE can also be contacted.