The Prelature of Opus Dei is committed to promoting the safety, welfare and protection of children on the island of Ireland in accordance with A Safe and Welcoming Church, Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2024 issued by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) and with its own safeguarding policies.
The Region of North-West Europe of the Prelature provides Christian formation in Ireland, in activities such as retreats, recollections, talks, courses and in personal spiritual guidance, in association with charities such as Brosna Educational Foundation Ltd and Fiúntas Centres Limited. Although directed primarily to adults, formation is also provided to young people in the course of activities organised by the associated charities. The aim of the formation given in any such work with young people is to collaborate with and support the primary responsibility of the parents in the formation and education of their children.
The Prelature does not run activities such as youth clubs, schools, or residences. Every youth club, school, residence, parish or other entity that provides accommodation or organises educational, sporting, or cultural activities for young people, with which the Prelature collaborates in the giving of formation, will have its own safeguarding policy and procedures and an officer specifically appointed and trained to deal with any concern or allegation that might arise in the course of its activities.
While the safeguarding policies of the Prelature are addressed in the first instance to the priests of the Prelature and other faithful of the Prelature who give Catholic formation on its behalf, they are also relevant to those faithful of the Prelature who are involved in activities with young people which are run on their own initiative or are subject to the direction, safeguarding policy and responsibility of an independent civil entity such as Brosna or Fiúntas.
The safeguarding policies of the Prelature do not in any way diminish or displace the civil responsibility of the person or entity organising the activity in question, but overlap with it to foster diligence in this matter on the part of the faithful of the Prelature and to ensure that no gaps exist in the safeguarding of young people.
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY STATEMENT
The Gospel teaches the importance of ensuring that the Catholic Church community is a warm, welcoming and safe place for children.
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Mark 10:14-15)
Children are gifts from God, to be cherished and recognised for the joyful contribution they make as valued members of the Church.
Our challenge is to follow the example of Jesus in cherishing them. Safeguarding is key to this important task and should be seen, not as a burden, but as an opportunity to embrace and encourage children's ministry, following the example of Jesus Christ.
This Church body pledges to safeguard children and young people from harm and to support them in their development as valued and integral members of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Church's ministry will be inclusive and will uphold their rights.
Consistent with Gospel values, and with civil and criminal law, those who minister will do so with dignity and integrity, honouring their calling to ensure that children and young people are welcomed, cherished and protected, following the example set by Jesus.
This Safeguarding Children Policy will be honoured and complied with by all ordained clerics and by all lay staff and volunteers in the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Details of Personnel to Contact if you are Concerned about the Welfare and Safety of Children:
- Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator for the Prelature in Ireland
Fr Brendan O’Connor, 104 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5HP
Mobile: +44 7726 775560 (dedicated safeguarding number)
Email: reports@nwepolicy.net (for confidential reports) or coordinator@nwepolicy.net (for general enquiries)
- Police (See also Local Safeguarding Contacts)
Gardaí National Protective Services Bureau
01 6663430 / 01 6663435
- Child Protection Service (See also Local Safeguarding Contacts)
Tusla: Dublin South East, Unit 9, Nutgrove Retail Park, Churchtown, Dublin, D14 NT35
Tel. 01 9213400
CHILD SAFEGUARDING LINKS
Prelature Safeguarding Policy - Ireland
NBSCCCI Safeguarding Policy & Guidance
Safeguarding Review
The Prelature invited the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) to conduct a review of its safeguarding practice, as part of the general review by the NBSCCCI of Church bodies in Ireland. The outcome of that Review (part of Tranche 10 of the NBSCCCI review process) was published on 4th May 2016. The text of the Review and the Statement of the Regional Vicar welcoming its findings (see links below) were published at that time in the News section of this website.
The recommendations contained in that Review have since been implemented. A brief Update to this effect was sent to the NBSCCCI in December 2016 (see link below).