NORTHERN IRELAND
One in Four
A sexual abuse victim support group last night described voluntary vetting offered by Northern Catholic bishops as “a rather ridiculous gimmick”.
One in Four spokesman Colm O’Gorman was responding to a statement made by Archbishop Sean Brady, Primate of All Ireland, at the bishops’ March meeting in Maynooth.
Archbishop Brady announced the nine Northern bishops were voluntarily submitting themselves for vetting by the North’s child protection services. Archbishop Brady said he hoped the new measures would show the Church was willing to learn from the past.
“We cannot undo the hurt caused in the past,” he said, “but we can put in place measures which will enhance the scope of protection afforded to those placed in our care. This remains our priority.” Reacting to Dr Brady’s announcement, Mr O’Gorman said: “I think it’s meaningless; I think it’s purposeless; I also think it’s irresponsible.