| Esker Statement |
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Esker Statement click below line
Office of the Provincial Liguori House, 75 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6, Republic of Ireland Telephone: + 353 (0)1 4067100 Fax: +353(0) 492 2654 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Thursday, June 3rd 2010
Statement by the Redemptorists
In response to a recent media query regarding two Redemptorists who have had CSA allegations made against them, we wish to make the following comments:
“Two members of the Redemptorist Congregation, who have had CSA allegations made against them, relating to some 30-35 years ago, have been living in our Esker community. Both are out of ministry, have no contact with children, have support people and live within strict supervisory and monitoring criteria.
Both the Gardaí and the HSE are aware of the detail of the allegations made (two against one and a single complaint against another) and are also aware of their current living and supervisory arrangements. The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC) has been informed of the detail of both cases and supports our management plans for their ongoing supervision.
Two of the complainants reported to the Gardaí who conducted full investigations. In neither case did the DPP proceed with charges. The third complainant did not report the allegation to the Gardai; we did bring it to the attention of the Gardaí and the HSE.
We have discussed this matter with the local Bishop and he is fully aware of the supervisory arrangements, which apply to both people and he supports us in our ongoing efforts to take the most effective action to minimise any risk to children. Our Designated Officer for Child-Safeguarding is in ongoing contact with the Gardaí, the HSE and the NBSCCC on this matter.
Both men have had professional assessments and both have received very satisfactory reports. We are advised that the most effective way of avoiding any recurrence of abusive behaviour is to offer support and supervision in a community setting and this is what we are endeavouring to do in this instance. We can also confirm that over the last three decades neither of these men has given us any cause for concern in regard to their behaviour with children or young people.
As Redemptorists, we are fully committed to continuing to work effectively with the HSE and NBSCCC towards ensuring best practice in the safeguarding of children. We are fully compliant with State and Church guidelines and procedures in this regard (for related documents see: www.redemptorists.ie).
We take this opportunity to sincerely and deeply apologize to any person who has ever been abused or hurt by a member of our Congregation. If anybody has been abused by a Redemptorist at any time and has not reported it, we encourage him or her to do so now. If you have any concerns about the welfare of children or young people we encourage you to contact the Redemptorist Designated Officer (for contact details, please see www.redemptorists.ie). All complaints will be treated in accordance with established guidelines and those making complaints will also be offered pastoral support.
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