Review ‘satisfied’ Presentation Brothers know reporting obligations

As many as 54 abuse allegations have been made against 28 Presentation Brothers (one unnamed) since January 1st 1975,with none convicted in the courts, the Catholic church child protection watchdog’s review has found.

Of those 28, 16 are deceased and four have left the congregation, Of the remaining eight Brothers, two are out of ministry, four are retired, and one returned to ministry following advice which was sought, following an independent risk assessment by the National Case Management Reference Group. It determined that he did not present a risk to children.

Three of the seven known living Brothers are subject to strict management plans and reside in community residences. Two of them have been independently risk assessed and received therapy. Allegations against the third Brother were only recently received and are being investigated.

Of the seven known living Brothers, six are out of ministry or retired with the seventh returned to ministry as explained above. Where the four who left the congregation are concerned the civil authorities had been informed about the allegations made against them.

The reviewers expressed themselves “satisfied that the Presentation Brothers now understand their obligations to report and respond to allegations of abuse, whilst acknowledging previous delays.” They also pointed out that while “there are very few Brothers who have direct ministry with children, however this should not lessen the application of the safeguarding standards.”

The reviewers also met with “three survivors from Greenmount Industrial School”, at the survivors’ request. It said that “while it does not fall within the remit of this review to give a detailed account of their situation, it is fair to reflect that they are not happy with the response given by the Presentation Brothers.”

The reviewers acknowledged "the pain of these survivors" and suggested that "it may be useful for the province leader to consider appointing an independent support person for this group of survivors....In addition, the newly appointed support person should advise these survivors of the existence of the State's statutory support fund – Cara Nua. "

It also found that “the deputy designated person who was formerly the designated person has also acted as an advisor to accused Brothers. This is a blurring of roles.”

It concluded as “evident from interviews with the province leader and others that safeguarding is a priority for the Presentation Brothers and that human or financial resources are and will continue to be made available when needed.”

It appreciated “the efforts made by the province leader and his team in safeguarding children and in managing allegations and risk presented by members of the province.”