This article is from page 4 of the 2013-04-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
ALMOST five percent of the priests currently service in the Diocese of Galway and Kilfenora have had official abuse claims levelled against them. The diocese, which includes the Clare parishes of Ballyvaughan, Carron, New Quay, Ennistymon, Kilfenora, Liscannor, Moymore, Lisdoonvarna and Kilshanny, has recorded of a total of 38 allegations made against 14 priests or members of religious orders since 1975.
According to the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church, the Church’s own internal watch-dog body, 27 of these allegations were reported to the gardaí.
The report indicated that three of the 63 priests currently serving in the diocese have had claims made against them. No individual priests were named in the report nor was any indication given as to what part of the diocese the priests are currently serving.
Speaking after the publication of the report, Bishop Martin Drennan said that the concerns expressed were “not of a sufficient nature” to warrant their removal from active ministry.
The report also recommends that a review of any cases of allegation which were made against living priests who are no longer in active service or are on administrative leave should be carried out.
Minister Drennan said that the results of the review were good news for the diocese.
“Last week’s report shows that we have at last turned the corner. It offers encouragement in many forms, safeguarding practice is reported as good in the diocese, complaints are dealt with promptly,” said Bishop Drennan.
“There is ongoing help available for victims of abuse. Counselling is offered to complainants and their families.
“The diocese works closely with the HSE and with the Garda Siochana in an effort to make sure that children participating in Church-related activities are safe. To date three hundred and fifty five people have been given training so that their work as safeguarding representatives may be as effective as possible.”