The statement below issued by Archbishop Neary was read out at Masses on the Weekend of July 16/17 in the aftermath of the Cloyne report.
In light of the recent report on the Diocese of Cloyne, and as leader of a diocese which has experienced its own sad historic failures regarding the safeguarding of children, I wish to add my expression of apology and regret. I acknowledge, however, that repeated apologies can offer only limited comfort at this stage. The most meaningful act of contrition now, I believe, is that of strengthening and constantly improving diocesan child protection measures, so that best practice in the safeguarding of children is the norm for every aspect of Church life. To this end trained personnel are in place in every parish of the Archdiocese.
In this regard, I wish to pay tribute to the integrity of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church and to the standard of its work, which drew attention in this case to practices which gave rise to concern. Co-operating closely with the statutory bodies and the National Board will ensure that there can never be recurrence of such failings.
In the Archdiocese of Tuam, we have for several years been working towards this end and we have made every effort to ensure that children are cherished and safe in their local Church environment and we will continue to make this a priority.
ENDS
