Statement by the Ombudsman for Children on the publication of the Commission of Investigation Report into the Diocese of Cloyne

The significance of the Commission of Investigation Report into the Diocese of Cloyne is the contemporary nature of the abuse it documents and the failure of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Cloyne to report a single case to the health authorities between 1996 and 2008.

The pain of the experiences of the victims is unimaginable for the vast majority of us. Their courage and bravery is exceptional.

I reiterate my view that it is completely unacceptable that any institution or organisation put corporate reputation ahead of children’s best interests and that the State has responsibility to ensure that child protection is paramount.

As with previous reports, we witness more examples in today’s report of the placing of institutional loyalty ahead of the best interests of children. The burden of responsibility for reporting abuse should not lie with children. The importance of those in positions of authority referring child protection concerns stems not only from concern for that individual child but for the protection of other children more generally.

However, I am encouraged by the Ministers for Justice and for Children response to the Commission’s report. As Ombudsman for Children I am tasked with promoting and monitoring children’s rights and welfare in Ireland, this includes ensuring that the State lives up to its responsibility to provide a robust and effective child protection system. My statutory powers include to give advice to Ministers on legislative change affecting children. I have already engaged with the Minister for Children and I have committed to exercising my statutory powers to provide independent advice on the development of a strong legislative and policy framework to give genuine effect to the commitment articulated today.

This report and the difficulties faced by the many thousands of children who have come to my attention, strengthen my resolve to promote a culture where children’s inherent value and dignity is respected.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

• The Ombudsman for Children is the independent, statutory human rights organisation with responsibility for promoting and monitoring children’s rights in Ireland. The powers and authority of the Ombudsman for Children are set out in primary legislation, the Ombudsman for Children Act, 2002,
• The Ombudsman for Children’s Office is currently undertaking an investigation into the handling of the Child Protection Audit of the Catholic Church by the HSE and the Department of Health.
• The Ombudsman for Children’s Office under a comprehensive national investigation into the implementation of the Children First National Guidelines. It is available at www.oco.ie

Contact: Nikki Gallagher at 086-8163246

• 13 July 2011
• Type: Press Release
• Topic: Child Protection