Concern at Church’s hindering of abuse probe

CHILDREN’S Minister Frances Fitzgerald has expressed concern about the “shortcomings and severe difficulties” experienced by the Catholic Church’s National Board for Safeguarding Children as it tried to investigate child protection in the 26 dioceses.

At the launch of its third annual report, NBSC chief executive Ian Elliott revealed how a planned review of child protection policy was stymied due to the Church’s concerns about data protection. In subsequent negotiations with the NBSC, the Church asked for the review’s findings to not be made public.

Responding, Ms Fitzgerald said the protection of children “is an absolute priority for this government”.