IPPN

Published: 02 April 2009

Source: The Kingdom

By: Mary Murphy

ALL child protection complaints, directives and recommendations received by the Diocese of Kerry have been acted on and strict new regulations, including garda vetting for volunteers, will ensure that Kerry children are protected in the future, it has been stressed.

The vetting is part of a major new child protection strategy which was officially launched on Sunday by Bishop Bill Murphy who said all children need protection and care from all those in whose care they are entrusted.

A new child protection team established for the diocese includes Fred Garvey, the retired chief garda superintendent for Kerry, who has been appointed safeguarding children trainer.

Other key members include chairperson, Fr Gearoid Walsh, Monsignor Dan O'Riordan, Fr John Quinlan, Canon Law specialist Fr George Hayes, retired garda inspector John Murrihy, retired teacher Bridie Cronin, primary school teacher Sheila Goulding, retired detective Mick Smith and Tralee curate Fr Padraig Walsh who has been appointed designated officer for the diocese and will deal directly with any allegations made.

The team will also feature a medical doctor, a child psychologist and a solicitor.

Over 100 representatives, from 53 parishes across the diocese, were officially commissioned to be part of the extended team at a meeting in Killarney on Sunday.

The team appointed by Bishop Murphy will be used to impose strict new protection measures including garda vetting for all adults working with young people, the appointment of child safety representatives in each parish and specialised record keeping, including signed adult consent.

Under the new rules, adults must not work in isolation with children or young people during Church activities and if pastoral need requires privacy for a young person, it must be undertaken in what is described as "a transparent and open manner".