On 4^th June 2009 Bishop Leo O'Reilly, Bishop of Kilmore, launched the diocesan handbook Safeguarding Children in the Diocese of Kilmore. It contains the child protection policies and procedures that the diocese has developed over the last four years.

This policy handbook has two main objectives: to protect children at all times and to inform adults about best practice in any type of Church related activity involving children.

A considerable amount of consultation and training of priests and parish personnel has taken place during the four year period of preparation for the publication.

Bishop O'Reilly said "Central to our pastoral mission to spread the Good News of Jesus, is ministry to children. A key element of this ministry is valuing and encouraging the participation of children in parish and diocesan activities. Our policy, published today, is a tangible expression of our commitment to safeguarding children throughout the Diocese of Kilmore.

"We are committed to maintaining good practice in safeguarding children so that children involved in Church activities are safer as a result.

"Safeguarding Children in the Diocese of Kilmore is now available on the Diocesan Website.  I am particularly indebted to the members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Children Committee, the co-ordinator and the trainers, for their dedication and professionalism in developing our policy handbook. On behalf of the diocese, I wish to thank them sincerely for their hard work."

To download a PDF version of the handbook please click here

The Speakers at the Launch of the Handbook

From left: Sergeant William Carey representing the Garda Síochána; Teresa Carroll, Chairperson of the Diocesan Safeguarding Children Committee; Bishop Leo O'Reilly; Aidan Canavan, Chairperson of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church; Gerry Lowry representing the HSE.

Lucy Uí Mhórdha and Sr. Suzie Duffy with Bishop O'Reilly at the Launch