Madam, - I wish to reply to points raised in Ms Mary Raftery's column of December 22nd concerning the new Catholic Church policy on child protection. Firstly, Ms Raftery does not appear to have fully read my statement in response to the church's document. While I welcomed Our Children Our Church as "a step in the right direction", I also stated that it would be reviewed in the context of the Ferns Report and the work of the Commission of Investigation in the Dublin diocese. In this context, it is important to note that the church's document was completed and sent to the Vatican for approval prior to the publication of the Ferns Report.
One of the key recommendations of the Ferns Report is the establishment of inter-agency groups within every diocese in the State. These groups, which will be convened, chaired and reported on by the Health Service Executive, will include representatives from the church and An Garda Síochána. The Ferns Report recommends that these groups will be the forum for the exchange of information and discussion concerning rumours or suspicions concerning abuse.
The HSE has already set up the internal structures necessary for the implementation of the Ferns Report, are working on the establishment of the inter-agency groups and have make contact with the church representative in that regard. I must emphasise that I am giving this matter the highest priority and there can be no doubt about the Government's commitment to delivering upon this and other recommendations of the Ferns Report.
If there is a clear indication that the church authorities are not implementing the full recommendations of the Ferns Report they can be referred to the Commission of Investigation and any follow-up action required will be taken to ensure proper child protection procedures within each diocese.
The recommendations of the Ferns Report are paramount in this whole area and it is against these that the child protection policy and procedures will be examined. I am firmly of the view that these recommendations, implemented in a spirit of co-operation, will provide both the Government and the church with the necessary measures to protect children more effectively. - Yours, etc,
BRIAN LENIHAN TD,
Minister for Children,
Dáil Éireann,
Dublin 2.
Madam, - I think it is safe to assume that one of the reasons for a reluctance to report all allegations of child abuse to the Garda must be the erosion of the presumption of innocence that has occurred in recent years.
On a job application you may be asked, "Do you agree to the employer seeking a certificate from the Garda Síochána to the effect that you have not been the subject of any investigation relating to physical or sexual abuse of children?" Given this, reporting someone to the Guards is sentencing them to a life-term of suspicion with no opportunity for parole. Where's the justice in that?
Confidence in mandatory reporting will come about only where investigations are swift and vindication of the innocent complete. - Yours, etc,
CHRISTOPHER McCAMLEY,
Newtown,
Drogheda,
Co Louth.