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28/10/2005
Catholic Church reveals extent of abuse allegations
The Catholic Church was reeling today following further confirmation of sexual abuse amongst its priests in a number of diocese's north and south of the border.
In the latest revelations, it emerged that 15 priests have been accused of sexually abusing children over the past 50 years in the Down and Connor diocese while a further 26 have been accused of abuse in the Derry diocese over the same period.
The figures followed an Irish government inquiry into child abuse in the Ferns diocese in Co Wexford uncovered over 100 allegations of sexual abuse by priests.
The 271-page Ferns report investigated allegations against 21 priests who had been working in the diocese between 1966-2002.
In the Down and Connor diocese Bishop Patrick Walsh appealed for anyone "who feels they have been hurt, we want to help them".
"We have put in place very, very strict policies and procedures in regard to child protection and there will be training for everyone in every parish in the diocese," he said.
In Derry Dr Seamus Hegarty said there had been only one successful prosecution against the 21 allegations of abuse.
"Our paramount concern is for the safety and welfare of children," he said.
"An independent child care consultant has recently carried out a review of all cases in this diocese, and the diocese will have ongoing external review."
(MB/SP)
In the latest revelations, it emerged that 15 priests have been accused of sexually abusing children over the past 50 years in the Down and Connor diocese while a further 26 have been accused of abuse in the Derry diocese over the same period.
The figures followed an Irish government inquiry into child abuse in the Ferns diocese in Co Wexford uncovered over 100 allegations of sexual abuse by priests.
The 271-page Ferns report investigated allegations against 21 priests who had been working in the diocese between 1966-2002.
In the Down and Connor diocese Bishop Patrick Walsh appealed for anyone "who feels they have been hurt, we want to help them".
"We have put in place very, very strict policies and procedures in regard to child protection and there will be training for everyone in every parish in the diocese," he said.
In Derry Dr Seamus Hegarty said there had been only one successful prosecution against the 21 allegations of abuse.
"Our paramount concern is for the safety and welfare of children," he said.
"An independent child care consultant has recently carried out a review of all cases in this diocese, and the diocese will have ongoing external review."
(MB/SP)
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The Executive Office has confirmed that it has received a contribution from the Diocese of Down and Connor towards the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Redress Scheme. This payment, which follows a contribution from the De La Salle Order in September, relates specifically to homes managed jointly with the Order.
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The Executive Office has confirmed that it has received a contribution from the Diocese of Down and Connor towards the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Redress Scheme. This payment, which follows a contribution from the De La Salle Order in September, relates specifically to homes managed jointly with the Order.
24 April 2013
Former Bishop Accepts Criticism In Clogher Report
A former bishop has been criticised after a report was published into claims of child abuse allegations and the behaviour of priests. The National Board for Safeguarding Children (NBCS) in the Catholic Church has published audits of many dioceses. Dr Joseph Duffy said he regretted the management of some cases.
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A former bishop has been criticised after a report was published into claims of child abuse allegations and the behaviour of priests. The National Board for Safeguarding Children (NBCS) in the Catholic Church has published audits of many dioceses. Dr Joseph Duffy said he regretted the management of some cases.
15 November 2024
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A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of indecent assaults on a child in the 1970s. Damien Desmond Anderson, originally from L'Derry, was extradited from the US to face justice. He was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against a female who was 11 years old at the time of the abuse.
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A 68-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for a series of indecent assaults on a child in the 1970s. Damien Desmond Anderson, originally from L'Derry, was extradited from the US to face justice. He was convicted of 12 counts of indecent assault against a female who was 11 years old at the time of the abuse.
05 October 2021
Domestic And Sexual Abuse Policy For Civil Service
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