Archbishop, bishop offer sympathy and assistance to abuse victims

The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, has offered to meet each of those abused by the paedophile priest, Ivan Payne, while the former auxiliary bishop of Dublin, Dr Dermot O'Mahony, has said he would be very happy to help with their healing in whatever way he can. Both issued personal statements on the matter last night.

In his statement Dr Connell said that "following the court hearings this week regarding Father Payne I want to express my deep sympathy to the people who have been abused by him. I know that no words of mine can take away the hurt they have suffered. On hearing the different charges and case histories, I have been extremely saddened that such abuse took place. "My hope and prayer is for the well-being and healing of all those abused. I offer the pastoral support of the diocese to pray for those who have suffered.

"I acknowledge that it may be difficult for people who have been abused by a priest to approach the church but I genuinely hope that in the course of time each person would meet with me or with those who assist me in this area.

"The first complaint of child sexual abuse against Father Payne was made to the diocese in November 1981. No other such complaint was made against Father Payne until 1995 and the diocese was not aware of any other complaint until 1995.

"In December 1981, Father Payne was referred to a consultant psychiatrist. Based on the psychiatric report at the conclusion of his assessment, the diocese considered that Father Payne could continue in ministry. The same psychiatrist saw Father Payne in 1991 and 1994 to review the situation, on which occasions he confirmed his earlier report.

"In 1995, as a further precaution, Father Payne was referred to a specialist institute for a residential assessment. As a result of the clinical conclusions of that assessment, it was decided that Father Payne should withdraw from ministry. Thereafter, as is now well known, additional complaints came to light and the Garda investigation commenced.

"My immediate concern now is for those who have suffered abuse. I am available to meet with each of them. I am also available to assist the parishes where Father Payne served in whatever way most meets their needs."

In his statement Bishop Dermot O'Mahony said that "during recent court hearings, reference has been made to my role in how the Archdiocese of Dublin responded to the complaint in November 1981 of child sexual abuse against Father Ivan Payne and I now wish to make a short statement".

"Firstly and most importantly, I want to say how shocked and upset I am by the abuse described in the court proceedings and in the media. Those who have suffered abuse have borne a heavy burden over many years. I hope that the conclusion of this stage of the criminal proceedings may help with their healing and bring them some peace. If I can help in any way with that process, I would be very happy to do whatever I can.

"An impression has arisen through various reports that no action was taken by me when the complaint was reported to me in 1981. This is not true. I would refer you to the statement of Archbishop Connell which outlines the steps that occurred and in which I was personally involved."