THE GARDA Commissioner has apologised for the fact the response of the Garda Síochána to complaints against priests was inadequate in some cases.
In a statement yesterday, Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said: “The commission has found that in some cases, because of acts or omissions, individuals who sought assistance did not always receive the level of response or protection which any citizen in trouble is entitled to expect from An Garda Síochána. I am deeply sorry that this occurred.”
Referring to the report’s finding that there were a number of inappropriate contacts and relationships between gardaí and the archdiocese, he said: “These contacts occurred at a time when a misguided or undue deference was often shown to religious institutions and figures by many in our society. Such deference can have no place in a criminal investigation.”
He stressed the priority the Garda Síochána placed on protecting children, and noted the commission’s acknowledgment of the ongoing expertise and work of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit at Harcourt Square.
“The important work of this unit is now supplemented by a series of initiatives and measures designed to enhance our investigative ability and provide specialist officers countrywide with the skills required to deal with victims of sexual offences,” he said.
The measures include the establishment of a crime training faculty and the training and appointment of specialist child interviewers, the establishment and roll-out of dedicated child interview suites and the development and implementation of a youth and children strategy, he said. He appealed to victims and their families to report abuse wherever it occurred.
A dedicated telephone line for people wishing to give information on the offences referred to in the report has been set up at the offices of Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services, Harcourt Square, Dublin 2, at 01-6663066.
Alternatively, people can write to the Offices of the Assistant Commissioner at the same address, marking the envelope Dublin Archdiocese Report.