Cloyne Report moves Bishop to re-assure people of Ferns Diocese

IN THE WAKE of the Cloyne Report, Bishop Denis Brennan has assured the parishioners in the Diocese of Ferns that every precaution is being taken to protect children in the diocese.

In a letter, which was read out in Masses across the Diocese of Ferns over the weekend, Bishop Brennan said that he shared with 'with all right-minded citizens and believers' the ' terrible shame, as has been occasioned afresh, by the revelations of abuse and mismanagement, as have come to light following the publication of The Cloyne Report'.

In a very frank and honest address, Bishop Brennan said that 'yet again' his first thoughts were with the victims and their families and 'with all of you who again feel sorely shocked and let down'.

However, he went on to assure parishionsers in the Diocese of Ferns every precaution is being taken to safeguard the children of the Diocese.

' The Cloyne Report reminds us of the events as necessitated the Ferns Report, when many were afforded, for the first time, the opportunity to articulate their experiences in a structured, open and supported manner.

' I would like to take this opportunity to restate to you my knowledge and assurance that all safeguarding children allegations and concerns in the diocese of Ferns - as have been reported to us in the diocesan office - have been fully shared with the diocesan advisory panel, the Gardaí, the HSE and the National Office. All the recommendations received by the diocese from these bodies have been implemented,' the letter read at Masses stated.

The Bishop added that the Diocese continues to work ' fully from within an acceptance of the findings and recommendations of The Ferns Report and from within the guidelines of the Safeguarding of Children Handbook, as issued from the National Office.

' I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 93 safeguarding children parish representatives working within the diocese.

'I would also like to thank those who serve on the safeguarding children work stream and the diocesan advisory panel,' he said. 

The Bishop went on to express his gratitude to members of the Inter Agency Group - who schedule meetings between the Diocesan Child Care personnel and members of the Gardai and the HSE since 2002 - and to the Holy See for 'its determinations in the matters referred to it, as required by the papal director Sacramentorum Sanctitatis tutela'.

The Bishop went on to inform parishioners that the Diocescan Designated Officer is Ms. Marian Stack who can be contacted on 0851055992 and by email on marianstack@hotmail.com

The assistant Officer is Monsignor Denis Lennon, who can be contacted on 0539122177.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre have also reached out to victims across the country following the publication of the Cloyne report which they say will ' again reopen the woulds of the victims involved and other victims around the country who had similar experiences'.

'It may also trigger people's memories for the first time,' said Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive of DRCC.

' There is a special Helpdesk number 1 800 742 800 and a National 24 Hour Helpline 1 800 77 88 88 for anyone who needs to speak to a trained person who will give them support, guidance and information,' she added.

Source