In his report Ian Elliott on abuse in Raphoe, chief executive of the NBSCCC said: “It is clear that significant errors of judgement were made by successive bishops when responding to child abuse allegations that emerged within this diocese
“Too much emphasis was placed on the situation of the accused priest and too little on the needs of their complainants.
“Judgements were clouded, due to the presenting problem being for example, alcohol abuse and an inability to hear the concerns about abuse of children, through that presenting problems.
“More attention should have been given to ensuring that preventative actions were taken quickly when concerns came to light. This view is based on an assessment of cases reported to the diocese and includes a number which were received during the previous bishops’ time in office.”
There was severe criticism of retired Bishop Seamus Hegarty – and Bishop Boyce admitted he hadn’t always accepted the significance of the report.
Mr Elliott goes on: “More attention should have been given to ensuring that preventative actions were taken quickly when concerns came to light. This view is based on an assessment of cases reported to the diocese and includes a number which were received during the previous bishops’ time (Seamus Hegarty) in office.”
Mr Elliott did praise Bishop Boyce for accepting the audit in full but said he hadn’t always treated the issue with the significance needed.
“It is a matter of great regret to Bishop Boyce that his focus on victims’ needs was not greater in the past, and he now acknowledges that he has a very different appreciation of his safeguarding responsibilities as to when he first came into office.
“The reviewers would accept that this is the case and would wish to commend Bishop Boyce on his willingness to learn the painful lessons of the past and to apply them to the current practice in the diocese.”
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