Inter-diocesan committee ‘inadequate’

THE commission criticised the make-up of an inter-diocesan case management advisory committee set up in 2005 by the Diocese of Cloyne in conjunction with the Diocese of Limerick.

While it said it was “a good idea” to pool resources with a neighbouring diocese to provide an independent source of advice, the commission concluded that this committee was also not appropriately constituted.

“Both Monsignor [Denis] O’Callaghan and the Diocese of Limerick delegate were appointed to the committee and, indeed, the Diocese of Limerick delegate was the chairman.

“Initially, the solicitor who advised the Diocese of Cloyne in child abuse cases was not appointed to the committee because it was considered that there would be a conflict of interest since he was the diocese’s legal adviser. However, he was subsequently appointed to it.

“Mgr O’Callaghan and the solicitor each told the commission that they saw no conflict of interest in their being members of this committee.”

The commission does not share their view.

Bishop John Magee stood down the Cloyne membership of that committee when the conflicts were pointed out to him in 2008. The commission said it was satisfied that the diocese now has an independent advisory panel.