Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin Apologises "Unreservedly"

The publication today by Sir Anthony Hart of the Report into historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland has been described as "a significant moment for survivors and their families", says the Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin.
The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin said that he "welcomed" and accepted the findings of the report and would like to "apologise unreservedly" to the victims.
"Notwithstanding the distressing experience of telling their harrowing stories to the Inquiry, they have shown courage, dignity and perseverance in bringing to light a dark and disturbing chapter in the life of Church and society," the Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin said in a press statement.
"This comprehensive report allows their voices to be heard and vindicated more widely so that all of us can learn the truth, however unpalatable, about what happened in the past and redouble our efforts to ensure such awful things are prevented from occurring again."
He praised Sir Anthony Hart for how he approached his task in a "balanced and objective manner". He added, "He dealt sensitively with those who were called to appear before the Inquiry. He has fulfilled a valuable service to society as a whole. It is now important for all of us to accept his findings as a fair reflection and analysis of how both Church and State failed the most vulnerable members of our society.
"I welcome the publication of this Report and I accept its findings. I apologise unreservedly to all those who suffered from their experience in Church-run institutions, and to their loved ones. They have given details for all to see of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Their story is one of anxiety, isolation and pain. I know well that my words are inadequate in attempting to address the enormity of the harshness and brutality which many innocent children experienced.
"There is never an excuse for the abuse and ill treatment of children or any vulnerable person, in any setting. When the perpetrator is a priest or religious, it is also an appalling betrayal of a sacred trust. I am ashamed and I am truly sorry that such abuse occurred, and that in many cases children and young people felt deprived of love and were left with a deep and lasting suffering.
"It is totally understandable that those abused may find it hard to forgive or find reconciliation with the Church.
"But we in the Church must do everything we can to submit to the demands of justice and demonstrate that we are serious about making reparation for the sins and crimes of the past.
"I call on all those in positions of leadership within the Catholic dioceses and religious congregations concerned to engage in a constructive and urgent manner with the agencies to be established by the new Executive to take forward this Report's recommendations. I commit to doing all that I can - and also to encouraging others throughout the Church - to support survivors of abuse today and into the future."
In a separate statement, Bishop Leo O’Reilly - who is Bishop of Kilmore - also said today that he too welcomes the publication of the report of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry.
"From the outset I wish to apologise to everyone who suffered abuse perpetrated by a priest or religious. To abuse a child is a most abhorrent act, is evil and to be condemned unreservedly," Bishop Leo O'Reilly says in his statement.
"Today I am thinking in particular of the survivors of abuse and the long and difficult journey that they have travelled in order to achieve justice and official recognition of the pain and trauma visited upon them as children.
"From what I have seen of the report the evidence contained in it is at times heart-breaking to read. It is clear that many adults who, in the place of parents, were meant to provide love and care to children, failed in a catastrophic manner to protect and nurture their precious charges."
He added that Judge Hart's report "reminds us again of the appalling crimes against children committed by Father Brendan Smyth". He adds, "It also reveals new information highlighting awareness by some in authority of Brendan Smyth's criminal actions much earlier than had been previously understood. It details the many opportunities of preventing further abuse that were missed along the way and the repeated failures that enabled him to continue abusing.
"The Church cannot be, and should never have been, a safe harbour for anyone responsible for abuse. I am acutely conscious that the Church has a moral responsibility to be demonstratively vigilant in the area of child safeguarding, both in order to ensure the wellbeing of children, and also to earn the confidence of parents and of children alike.
"Equally, the Church cannot be found wanting in its support for the healing of those who have suffered abuse from adults purporting to embody its mission. As a minimum we owe to those who lost their childhood through abuse the highest of safeguarding standards along with a commitment to assist them in every way possible to find healing and freedom from the abuse and pain so cruelly inflicted on them in their childhood. On behalf of the diocese of Kilmore I am committed to engaging with other bodies in implementing the recommendations in the report to the best of our ability."

Towards Healing Counselling & Support Services is available to survivors of Church, Religious and Institutional abuse. The Towards Healing director is Mr Michael Lyons and the service provides lay independent and fully accredited counsellors to support survivors. Towards Healing may be contacted by:

· Freephone (UK & NI) 0800 096 3315 or (RoI) 1800 303 416

· Mobile number for Hearing Impaired Clients +353 (0) 85-8022859

While The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland provides advice on all aspects of case management, including notification of allegations and support for the complainant. It's chief executive is Ms Teresa Devlin. If you are concerned about a child or young person or wish to report a child safeguarding suspicion, concern, knowledge or allegation you should contact the statutory authorities. As the Catholic Church in Ireland has a mandatory reporting policy you can also contact the NBSCCCI by:

· Telephone 00 353 (1) 505 3124

· [email protected]