The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore wishes to clarify a number of matters arising from recent media coverage concerning Mr Michael O’Connor.
Safeguarding children and vulnerable persons remains a central pastoral priority for the Diocese. The Diocese encourages any person with a safeguarding concern to report it without delay to the appropriate statutory and Church authorities. The Diocese continues to work closely with An Garda Síochána, the HSE and the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland in order to maintain the highest safeguarding standards across all areas of Church life.
The Diocese has always sought to treat complainants and survivors with respect, dignity and credibility. The voice of the survivor must always be heard and safeguarding matters must be approached with the utmost care, sensitivity and responsibility.
Mr Michael O’Connor was removed from ministry in 1995 following allegations relating to historical events alleged to have occurred in the 1970s. While no criminal prosecution arose in these matters, the Diocese nevertheless removed Mr O’Connor from ministry and continued to apply rigorous canonical safeguarding processes over many years thereafter.
While an earlier decision to dismiss Mr O’Connor from the priesthood was successfully appealed to the Vatican at that time, restrictions and conditions were imposed upon him under a canonical precept. More recent breaches of those restrictions ultimately resulted in his dismissal from the priesthood.
The Diocese recognises that civil and criminal processes are distinct from canonical safeguarding processes and may operate according to different standards and evidential thresholds. Throughout these matters, the Diocese always acted fully in accordance with the best safeguarding standards.
Recent media coverage has created an incomplete and materially misleading public impression in relation to Mr O’Connor’s current accommodation and the role of the Diocese.
For clarity:
- Mr O’Connor is not residing in a diocesan-owned property.
- The property in question is owned by the Benevolent Society, a separate registered charity established historically by priests to assist priests who may experience financial hardship.
- The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore has no control over the Benevolent Society whatsoever.
- When Mr O’Connor was dismissed from the priesthood, his diocesan allowance ceased immediately.
While the Diocese did not engage publicly in detail at an earlier stage, particularly given the safeguarding sensitivities involved, this did not remove the responsibility on any media outlet to ensure that reporting accurately distinguished between separate legal entities and avoided creating materially misleading impressions.
The Diocese also wishes to state that public commentary on matters of this nature should be approached with great care and sensitivity, particularly in circumstances where survivors and their families may be affected or distressed by coverage and discussion of historical allegations.
The Diocese remains conscious that public debate surrounding safeguarding matters can be deeply painful for those involved, especially where allegations and denials become the subject of ongoing public dispute. The Diocese believes that particular care should be exercised in the manner in which individuals accused of serious safeguarding breaches are publicly platformed or presented, especially where survivors and complainants may experience further hurt or retraumatisation as a result.
Safeguarding matters are unlike ordinary public controversies. They involve profoundly sensitive personal experiences and require balance, restraint and a trauma-informed approach from all involved in public commentary.
The Diocese fully recognises the important role of the media in reporting on matters of public interest. Equally, all institutions, including the Church and media organisations, should be held to appropriate standards of fairness, accuracy and professional responsibility.
The Diocese does not intend to enter into further public commentary on this matter but considered it important to clarify the factual position in the public interest whilst respecting the rights and dignity of all parties involved.