HSE criticises dioceses over child safety practices

A HSE audit of child protection guidelines in the Catholic Church has found shortcomings still remain in a number of dioceses.

According to the authors of the report: “Safeguarding is being interpreted inconsistently across dioceses and implemented to varying degrees”. It recommends that in some dioceses, such as Achonry, a “whistleblowing” policy should be introduced.

In total, 579 allegations in relation to 189 priests were notified to the 24 dioceses and the audit returns indicate that 31 priests have been convicted of child sexual abuse.