Former diocese of Brendan Smyth to hold child safeguarding conference
A child safeguarding conference is to take place in the diocese of Kilmore, Co Cavan tonight, after a recommendation from the Church's National Board for Safeguarding Children.
It arose out of a review of safeguarding practice in the diocese, where paedophile priest Brendan Smyth was based.
Fr Smyth continued working in the Kilmore diocese for several years after allegations of child abuse had been made against him.
A recent BBC documentary claimed information about alleged abuse had been passed on to church authorities, including Cardinal Seán Brady, then Fr Brady.
There have been widespread calls for Cardinal Brady's resignation since, but he has so far failed to step down.
Current Bishop of Kilmore, Leo O'Reilly was not in place when Brendan Smyth worked in the diocese.
Bishop O'Reilly said times have changed and Cardinal Brady has contributed to the safeguarding of children today.
"Cardinal Brady has made his position very clear," Bishop O'Reilly said.
"It is his conscientious decision (to remain in his position) and I don't think he made it lightly.
"He made it after a lot of heart-searching and I think we have to respect his decision."
