Abuser Had Part in Anti-abuse Campaign

By Conor Ryan
Irish Examiner
September 6, 2012

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/abuser-had-part-in-anti-abuse-campaign-206594.html

An abuser from within the Dominican Friars played a role in national initiatives of the Catholic Church to improve responses to child abuse.

The man was alleged to have abused children in the late 1950s and early 1960. The accusations were not made until 1990. He stayed in his ministry until 1995, during which time he took part in the anti-abuse measures.

In another case a prolifically abusive priest, labelled Fr X, was told about an allegation made by a pupil in 1973.

However, the report of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC) said this only led to further torment for the child. "[The boy] was sent to the headmaster and was further abused by [Fr X]. The boy then advised that this second abuse had happened, but he was not believed because the abuse was denied by Fr X."

The NBSCCC praised many aspects of the Dominican’shandling of recent cases, in particular how they had been more forthcoming in their effort to find redress for the victims.

The report found evidence of 52 allegations against 27 priests. Twelve of the alleged abusers are alive; four are in ministry or have retired.

Two friars, including Father X, have been convicted for their crimes.

The report said since 2010 reports have been promptly reported to all civil authorities. It added: "The fact remains that in the past allegations against members of the order were not reported."

The provincial of the order, Fr Gregory Carroll, said that where recomm-endations were not already implemented they would be without delay.

"While we cannot undo the harm that was done, we can learn from the lessons of the past and ensure that our churches, schools, parishes, and priories are safe for the young and vulnerable."