Safeguarding Update

Fifty-six people have made allegations of historical abuse against twenty-one members of the Carmelite Order. This includes twelve deceased members, six living members and three former members of the Order. All allegations of abuse have been reported to An Garda Síochána and the relevant authorities.

Members of the Order who have had sexual abuse allegations made against them and are still alive are subject to a monitoring process within our safeguarding structures. This information is also shared with An Garda Síochána and, with regard to children, Tusla, Child & Family Agency.

Forty-one allegations of child sexual abuse have been reported against twelve Carmelites who worked in school settings dating back to the early 1960’s.

The Carmelites again apologise unreservedly to each person who was abused while in our care, either in our schools, Terenure College and the former Carmelite College Moate, which closed in 1996, or in other ministry settings. We know that words of apology cannot suffice for the pain and suffering endured by victims and survivors of abuse, sexual, physical, and emotional, perpetrated by Carmelites. We remain wholly committed to providing effective and meaningful support to those who were abused while in our care.

To date the Irish Province of Carmelites has paid €1.6 million in settlements with twenty-six complainants. This figure includes settlements paid to victims of a former lay teacher at Terenure College, who is serving a prison sentence for sexual abuse. We also fund complainants’ therapeutic and legal costs.

We comply with the Children First Act 2015 and work in accordance with Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016. We encourage anyone who has concerns regarding child safeguarding to contact the statutory authorities, An Garda Síochána and Tusla and if they wish, the Carmelite Safeguarding Office. They will have our full support.

You can contact our Safeguarding Office at: DLP@gortmuire.com or 087194 7212.