‘Compassion’ of bishops in Killaloe noted by child watchdog

The National Board for Safeguarding Children (NBSC) review of child protection in the Killaloe diocese noted complainants were met with 'great compassion'.

It said of 'particular note in the diocesan policy and procedures document is reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child".

It pointed out that "both the Republic of Ireland and the Vatican have signed up to honouring the Convention and this is therefore appropriately reflected in the diocesan policy and procedures document".

It said that “of particular note in the diocese of Killaloe is the response made to complainants who have come forward to share their allegations of clerical abuse. The records demonstrate very clearly that they have been met with great compassion and support.

" Bishop (Willie) Walsh and the current deputy designated person who was in role alongside Bishop Walsh stand out as being generous with time, resources, counselling and pastoral responses, to victims and their extended families."

It continued "that compassionate response has continued under the leadership of Bishop Kieran O Reilly and again is evident in the case files written by the current designated person (director of safeguarding) where there is a genuine openness and desire to respond appropriately.

“Bishop O Reilly advised the reviewers of a number of ‘healing’ masses and liturgies that have taken place in the diocese, in public and privately at the request of victims. All personnel are commended for their response to victims.”

The review found that since January 1st 1975, 19 priests there faced 65 allegations with one convicted in the courts.

In its final conclusion it said:“the reviewers assessed practice against all standards as good. The personnel at all levels are committed in a caring compassionate way, and the reviewers would commend their practice.”

A Catholic bishop admitted today that it was “a terrible thing” that an abusive priest was allowed remain in ministry after complaints of sex abuse had been made against him.

At the launch of the audit of the Diocese of Killaloe’s Child Protection practices, Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Kieran O’Reilly said that it was ‘inexcusable’ that a priest referred to a ‘Father A’ in the report remained an active priest until he retired in 1993.

The priest referred to as ‘Father A’ is the late Fr Tom McNamara who served as a priest in the east Clare area of Mountshannon-Whitegate area during the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s.

The report published today reported that there were 26 complaints of allegations of abuse concerning Father A relating to the period 1955 until the mid 1980s.

The report states that the first allegation of abuse was made against Father A in the mid-1960s with most of the complaints made after 1975.

The report states that at the time of the first complaint, Fr A’s ministry was not restricted but he was provided with therapy.

At a press briefing yesterday at the Inn at Dromoland to mark the publication of the report, Dr O’Reilly confirmed in response to a question that it was the late Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Michael Harty who referred Father A to therapy.

He said: “It is a terrible thing that happened and we apologise for it.”

Dr O’Reilly said: “Dr Harty did his very best within the limits of understanding of that time and as we know, it goes beyond this diocese.”

He said: “There was a different perspective and different understanding. The literature of the time is very scant at you know. That is no excuse — it is a terrible thing that happened and our task is now to ensure that can’t happen again and won’t happen again.

Dr O’Reilly expressed the fear that there are more allegations out there against ‘Father A’.

He said: “I would like to apologise again because I believe that the 26 allegations have come — the vast amount of those people are alive and there may still be others.”

Dr O’Reilly said that it is also a terrible thing that the abuse took place.

He asked: “How could this happen? Someone trusted in this community as a priest given his special role and the fact that the church perhaps through ignorance or lack of knowledge weren’t fully abreast about the damage that could be done. That’s inexcusable.”