Victims’ group slams church’s child-protection policy

19/12/2005 - 15:46:21
A support group for victims of clerical child abuse has reacted angrily to the Catholic Church's new policy on child protection.

The plans published today include the establishment of a board for child protection, made up of parents and professionals from childcare, psychology, theology, law, education and business backgrounds.

Colm O'Gorman of One In Four said the policy was a huge backwards step in dealing with the issue.

“I think the policy is a knowing attempt on the part of the Catholic bishops of Ireland, or the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland generally, to subvert the authority of the state and not allow it to carry out its proper function in protecting Irish children,” he said.