Priests in diocese of Ferns agree to be vetted by Gardaí

PRIESTS in the diocese of Ferns have agreed to be vetted by Gardaí.

The measure has been introduced by the Diocesan Child Protection Committee, whose members are both lay people and clergy.

Bishop Dennis Brennan, who has backed the initiative, became the first to be vetted by gardaí.

Forms have been completed by more than 70% of priests and reminders are to be issued to the rest to complete the procedure.

A spokesman for the diocese said the measure was introduced because it offered an opportunity for good leadership as well as ensuring best practice is maintained.

The damning Ferns Report, published in 2005, identified more than 100 allegations of child sexual abuse made between 1962 and 2002 against 26 priests in the Ferns diocese.

In November 2006, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of his personal anguish and horror at what happened in Ferns during a private audience in the Vatican with Bishop Brennan when he was appointed head of the diocese.

The pope said the “incomprehensible behaviour” of some clergy in Ferns had “devastated lives and profoundly betrayed the trust of children, young people, their families, parish communities and the entire diocesan family”.

According to a report in the latest issue of The Irish Catholic, Bishop Brennan issued a letter to all priests in the diocese last October urging them to volunteer for the Garda checks.

The diocese is also issuing a newsletter to update parishes on what has been done in relation to the safeguarding of children and what remains to be done.

The newsletter points out that its child protection policy aims to ensure a safe environment where risks are minimised, where those affected by abuse are supported and where offenders are brought to account.

Lay parish representatives have been appointed in most of the 49 parishes and they will be available to anyone concerned about a child’s safety.

A spokesman has confirmed that the diocese is also meeting all of its obligations from Church and civil authorities in reporting allegations of child abuse involving priests.

The diocese consults with the Holy See, its own advisory panel, the Gardaí and the Health Service Executive, regarding any child protection allegations.