OF the 18 priests who have been accused of child sexual abuse in the diocese of Tuam since 1975, just two have been convicted.
The review into the handling of clerical child sex abuse allegations by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC) found the commitment to safeguarding children that is evident in the diocese today under Archbishop Michael Neary "appears not to have existed in previous years".
It found many of the cases managed by the archbishop’s predecessors, Joseph Cunnane and Joseph Cassidy, contain practises that were "defensive and internally focused", and entirely unacceptable today.
"These cases showed a lack of awareness of the suffering caused to victims by abusers," the report stated.
Archbishops Cunnane and Cassidy were found to have delayed in removing priests from their ministry after an allegation had been made against them.
However, the NBSCCC found that despite the failings of the past, the attitude of the current archbishop and his staff was "one of complete openness".
"It is evident from reading all case management records that the priority of the current archbishop and his designated persons is the safety of children."
The report noted that since Archbishop Neary’s appointment in 1995, all complaints have been passed onto the Garda, including some historical cases.
Since 1975, a total of 25 complaints were referred to the Garda and 26 to health authorities. Of the 18 priests accused, 10 are dead, eight have left the priesthood and two have been convicted of abuse.
In one area of inquiry the NBSCCC found a disproportionate number of allegations were made against priests working in one local secondary school which had acted in the past as the Archdiocesan Junior Seminary.
"It is to his credit that in spite of opposition, Archbishop Neary has maintained his authority and kept some men out of ministry where there is evidence to suggest that they should be viewed as dangerous and should not have access to young people."
In a statement, Archbishop Neary said the diocese would not be complacent in ensuring that child protection measures met the highest standards.
"Foremost in my thoughts are the survivors of child sexual abuse and their families, the harm and the hurt which they have experienced and the courage which they displayed in telling their story. I have apologised to them in the past and wish to reiterate my apology," he said.
It found many of the cases managed by the archbishop’s predecessors, Joseph Cunnane and Joseph Cassidy, contain practises that were "defensive and internally focused", and entirely unacceptable today.
"These cases showed a lack of awareness of the suffering caused to victims by abusers," the report stated.
Archbishops Cunnane and Cassidy were found to have delayed in removing priests from their ministry after an allegation had been made against them.
However, the NBSCCC found that despite the failings of the past, the attitude of the current archbishop and his staff was "one of complete openness".
"It is evident from reading all case management records that the priority of the current archbishop and his designated persons is the safety of children."
The report noted that since Archbishop Neary’s appointment in 1995, all complaints have been passed onto the Garda, including some historical cases.
Since 1975, a total of 25 complaints were referred to the Garda and 26 to health authorities. Of the 18 priests accused, 10 are dead, eight have left the priesthood and two have been convicted of abuse.
In one area of inquiry the NBSCCC found a disproportionate number of allegations were made against priests working in one local secondary school which had acted in the past as the Archdiocesan Junior Seminary.
"It is to his credit that in spite of opposition, Archbishop Neary has maintained his authority and kept some men out of ministry where there is evidence to suggest that they should be viewed as dangerous and should not have access to young people."
In a statement, Archbishop Neary said the diocese would not be complacent in ensuring that child protection measures met the highest standards.
"Foremost in my thoughts are the survivors of child sexual abuse and their families, the harm and the hurt which they have experienced and the courage which they displayed in telling their story. I have apologised to them in the past and wish to reiterate my apology," he said.
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