13/03/2006
Government welcomes Church's moves to protect children
The government has today welcomed the move by leaders of the Catholic Church to share all information on suspected paedophile priests with the PSNI.
In response to the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Order 2003, Catholic Primate Sean Brady has revealed a number of measures, which will be implemented to co-operate with the scheme.
The Archbishop has said that although the Church cannot undo the hurt caused in the past, it can put measures in place to protect those placed in its care.
A director of child protection is also to be appointed for the Catholic Church in the province.
Speaking today, Minister Shaun Woodward welcomed the announcement by Archbishop Brady.
He said: "I welcome the fact that all information known to the church regarding the possible abuse of children, has been shared with the PSNI for them to progress. I also applaud the expressed desire on the part of the Archbishop and his fellow bishops to ensure that adequate safeguards are put in place and maintained by the church to protect children.
"It is my clear expectation that any organisation which is involved with children must have policies and procedures in place that comply with the statutory requirements to protect children as well as conforming to good practice standards. To this end, I welcome moves by the church to produce guidance for NI on this basis."
Mr Woodard commended the church's moves to address the needs of victims, and their desire to involve representatives of victims and organisations that provide services to victims of abuse, in determining how best to achieve this.
(EF/SP)
In response to the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Order 2003, Catholic Primate Sean Brady has revealed a number of measures, which will be implemented to co-operate with the scheme.
The Archbishop has said that although the Church cannot undo the hurt caused in the past, it can put measures in place to protect those placed in its care.
A director of child protection is also to be appointed for the Catholic Church in the province.
Speaking today, Minister Shaun Woodward welcomed the announcement by Archbishop Brady.
He said: "I welcome the fact that all information known to the church regarding the possible abuse of children, has been shared with the PSNI for them to progress. I also applaud the expressed desire on the part of the Archbishop and his fellow bishops to ensure that adequate safeguards are put in place and maintained by the church to protect children.
"It is my clear expectation that any organisation which is involved with children must have policies and procedures in place that comply with the statutory requirements to protect children as well as conforming to good practice standards. To this end, I welcome moves by the church to produce guidance for NI on this basis."
Mr Woodard commended the church's moves to address the needs of victims, and their desire to involve representatives of victims and organisations that provide services to victims of abuse, in determining how best to achieve this.
(EF/SP)
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