The full text of the statement of apology by Cardinal Connell on the clerical sex abuse issue,read out High Court today, as part of an agreed settlement for victim Mervyn Rundle.
"Cardinal Connell profoundly regrets the injury caused to Mervyn Rundle byFather Tom Naughton and sincerely apologises to him and to his family for whathas occurred.
On behalf of the Archdiocese of Dublin, the Cardinal acknowledges that in1985 Mr Rundle, then a young boy, was the victim of serious sexual abuse by FrNaughton, who was then a curate in Donnycarney parish. The Cardinal alsoacknowledges that Mr Rundle was grievously injured by this abuse which has haddevastating consequences for him, and that the abuse has also caused muchdistress to his family.
It is also acknowledged that before the abuse of Mr Rundle occurred, reasonsfor concern about the conduct of Fr Naughton had emerged which, had they beenmore successfully pursued, could have resulted in his being withdrawn fromparochial duties.
Lessons have been learned from Mr Rundle's pain.
The paramount concern for the future is the protection of all childrenagainst the risk of sexual abuse. The Cardinal shares with Mr Rundle adetermination that all possible steps be taken to prevent any other child orfamily from enduring what has been suffered by Mr Rundle and his family.
The circumstances of Mr Rundle's injury, and its consequences, furtherunderline to the Archdiocese the importance of an effective and prompt responseto any complaint of sexual abuse against a priest; including, where appropriate,an acknowledgement that abuse has occurred and the implementation of measures toprotect against the risk of further abuse.
Lessons have been learned from Mr Rundle's pain and trauma and that ofothers which has been and will continue to be applied in dealing with any futurecomplaints."