I am pleased to let you know that the report of the second review of child safeguarding practice in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin undertaken by The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (National Board) is now complete and is available to view on our diocesan website on the following link: https://www.kandle.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Final-Review-Report-Kildare-and-Leighlin-7-July-2023-3.pdf
The review was carried out over three days by an independent reviewer on behalf of the National Board in December 2022. The review assessed our compliance with the Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016 and involved visits to parishes, meeting with youth involved in these parishes, meeting personnel with responsibility for youth activities in the parishes visited and across the diocese, meeting with our safeguarding committee and reviewing our safeguarding policies, procedures and files.
The Reviewer concluded in the report that they were satisfied with the safeguarding arrangements in Kildare and Leighlin Diocese, and with its levels of compliance with the National Board Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards. A strong commitment and dedication by everyone to creating and sustaining a safe environment for all those involved in Church ministry was found. The reviewer also noted that an open culture has been fostered that is focused on learning and improvement, so that everyone in the diocese can feel safe, valued and cared for.
I would again like to thank Kathleen Sherry and all who gave of their time to participate in this review.
+Denis Nulty
2nd August 2023