Retired Bishop of Derry, Bishop Edward Daly has this evening released a statement  following the publication of the National Board for Safeguarding Children’s Review of Child Safeguarding in the Diocese of Derry

He says: I welcome today’s report.  I welcome the fact that the diocese has decided to  publish the full unedited text of the report.  I am pleased that the current handling and management of these cases in the Derry Diocese has been deemed to be satisfactory by the National Board.

I am profoundly ashamed that children have been so gravely offended against by priests of the diocese. I have met a number of victims over the years and sincerely apologised to them.  I greatly regret any failings or shortcomings that I may have had in dealing with these matters whilst I was in office.

The management of these cases and the care of victims have evolved substantially and positively in recent years.  I am satisfied that the Catholic Church’s handling of these cases in this diocese has greatly improved and the safety of children will continue to be of paramount concern.

Bishop Daly saiud he would be making no futher comment

Not every representation Councillors make on the public’s behalf  gets on the news or in the papers,  but each month many issues are raised.

Here is a selection of questions asked by public representatives and the council’s response to them.

Councillor Marie Therese Gallagher has been told that the shortlisting of contractors for the Dungloe Glenties Sewerage Scheme will take place shortly.

They will then be invited to tender in January with construction to commence in 2012.

She was also informed that a  work shop is to be held with a view to developing a blue-print plan for the developing tourism product in the West of the County.

Councillor David Alcorn has queried why the public lighting erected on the N56 at Meenacuig, Gweedore has not been replaced with better lighting.

He was informed that one possible lighting system has been identified with funding to be sought from the NRA.

Councillor Jack Murray wants a policy in place to assist planning enforcement officers to deal with planning issues in a timely manners – he has been told that its a key area of activity within the planning service and that proposals are being drawn up to ensure best use of available resources.

Councillor Ian McGarvey wants a separate policy for development and funding of the islands – he has been told that a number of potential sources are currently being examined to meet the priority issues identified by Island representatives.

Councillor Mick Quinn wants the council to consider the take over of mechanical plants that are problematic in many estates – the council says it will have to examine the extent of the problems on an individual case basis, but points out there will be considerable cost involved.

The councillor also asked when work will start on the Water Treatment Scheme at Gartan Lake, work should start next year.

Councillor Brendan Byrne has queried when pipe replacement work will start in Frosses and Mountcharles – he has been told that work should start in January.

Councillor Gerry Crawford has raised the issue of lighting at Cathedral Hill, Raphoe – he was told that at the moment, the problems  there are not the council’s responsibility.

Finn Harps chairman Joey O’Leary has expressed his delight after the future of the club was effectively secured this week when Donegal County Council passed a motion to give the first division side €20,000. Harps have until December 21^st to raise €48,000 or they face the prospect of going out of business. The announcement by the Council is a major shot in the arm for the Ballybofey club. Speaking with Oisin Kelly, Joey says Harps are now on track in achieving there licencing for next season.
 

‘Towards Healing’ is a new, independent and confidential counselling and support service for survivors of abuse.

Following the publication of today’s six reports, it’s extending it’s opening hours over the coming days.

It’ll operate from 11am to 11pm today, tomorrow and on Friday – and until 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Callers can use the freephone number – 1800-303416 – from anywhere in Ireland.

Or dial 0800-0963315 from Northern Ireland and the UK.

Following his exclusive interview on the Shaun Doherty Show, Bishop Philip Boyce attended a press conference at the pastoral Centre in Letterkenny.

He was challenged by one abuse survivor to call for a full public inquiry.

John O’Donnell said he believes todays’s report is a cover up, and claimed many people people committed suicide as a result of clerical child abuse.

He challenged Bishop Boyce to address that issue:

A report into the handling of clerical child sex abuse in the Diocese of Raphoe says successive bishops made significant errors of judgement.

The review – by the National Board for the Safeguarding of Children in the Catholic Church – says too much emphasis was placed on the situation of the accused priest – and too little on the needs of their complainants.

The Bishop of Raphoe Philip Boyce is admitting insufficient emphasis was placed on the needs of victims – often in the misguided attempt to protect the reputation of the Church.

However, the report praises Bishop Boyce and his team for demonstrating a commitment to implementing best practice.

The 23 page report shows that 52 complaints were made against 14 priests between January 1975 and August 2010.

The audit says significant errors of judgement were made by successive bishops when responding to abuse allegations.

Too much emphasis was placed on the situation of the accused priest and too little on the needs of their complainants – while

It also says more attention should have been given to ensuring that preventative actions were taken quickly when concerns came to light.

There has been criticism of the lack of detail in the report with victims groups expressing disappointment that more documentation and evidence of abuse was not published.

The report also only includes priests ordained in the Raphoe Diocese and does not include ministry priests, allegations against them will be included in reports relating to their diocese.

Speaking on the ‘Shaun Doherty Show’, Bishop Boyce admitted that Raphoe Diocese probably has the highest level of clerical abuse allegations:

The Bishop confirmed that there are no records of allegations against Eugene Green, a fact he describes as extraordinary:

However former Garda Martin Ridge, who was involved in the case against Fr Eugene Green has described the report as a white wash:

The review of Safeguarding Practice in the Diocese of Derry has also been published today.

Derry was one of the first Diocese in Ireland to invite a review.

The review finds that historically there was a lack of awareness of the suffering caused to victims by abusers as well as an ignorance to the habitual nature of child abusing.

The Diocese is credited with making substantial improvements, credited for the most part, to the now retired Bishop Seamus Hegarty.

From January 1st 1975 until August of this year – there were 31 allegations of abuse against children made against 23 priests. However there has, to date, been no convictions.

Report author, Ian Elliot has praised both Raphoe and Derry Dioceses for the progress they have made:

You can view the details of the report HERE

Over a thousand people are taking part in a public sector strike in the Guildhall Square in Derry this lunchtime.

The action by public sector workers is expected to become the second biggest strike in British history in terms of numbers taking part.

The action is to protest at the threat of further cuts and austerity measures.

Gareth Scott, from the UNITE trade union says workers have been left with no choice but to go on strike today……..

The family of missing Derry man Eamonn Moore say they were becoming increasingly worried for his safety.

The 21-year-old, from Jefferson Court in the city centre, has not been seen since he left his apartment on Saturday morning.

It is understood that his family received what they regarded as worrying texts from him at the time.

On Monday, relatives, the police and Foyle Search and Rescue carried out searches along the river Foyle.

His Uncle, Liam Healy, made this appeal on today’s Shaun Doherty Show……

Due to lightning hitting the phone lines in Buncrana last night Buncrana Garda Station landlines were out of operation for a period today.

Engineers have repaired the fault and the lines are back operational.