The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Child sex priest: Kerry families get the ‘all clear’
KERRY families who have had close links with convicted child sex abuser Fr Brendan Smyth have been given the ‘all clear’ by health officials.
Southern Health Board officials have carried out follow-up interviews with a number of Kerry families in the past few days and have found no evidence to suggest that children have been the victims of abuse during Fr Smyth’s time in Tralee.
Kerry Community Care Director, Dr Tim Jackson, told The Kerryman that when the facts about Fr Smyth’s background were made-known, a number of families in the county were interviewed because of their links with the Norbertine priest.
“We checked on these families who might have been associated with his work but we are happy to report that they are OK. We have received no reports about any incidents with Fr Smyth,” said Dr Jackson.
He stressed though that any families that may be concerned about the matter should contact the Southern Health Board’s Social Work Services at Denny Street, phone (066) 21566.
In a statement, the Kerry Diocese said the appointment of Fr Brendan Smyth as a locum chaplain to Tralee General Hospital was made in good faith.
This Thursday afternoon, Southern Health Board Chief Executive Officer Sean Hurley told The Kerryman that the Board is satisfied with the valuable service provided by hospital chaplains and with those who are in such positions at present.
“The Board has been re-assured that stringent regulations have already been put in place by Diocesan Authorities to minimise the risk of unsuitable locum chaplains being appointed,” he said.
The Kerry Diocese, while shocked at the hidden background of Fr Smyth, stressed that greatest care is taken in the appointment of temporary chaplains.
“No chaplains are appointed unless they are known personally or there is every reason to believe that they are in good standing with their superiors,” said the Diocese, which represents the administration of the Religious in Kerry.
“The appointment of Fr Smyth was made by the Diocese in good faith. Clearly, the Diocese should have been informed of Fr Smyth’s history by his superior,” it added.
It was only because Fr Smyth’s Abbot, Fr Kevin Smith, gave his written consent that the Diocese of Kerry approved his temporary appointment.
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Kerry said it shares the deep concerns of many others regarding certain aspects of this particular temporary appointment.