Campbell asks if Gov. will meet Catholic Chuch over child abuse

The East Londonderry MP asked Tim Loughton MP if the Government would meet the Catholic hierarchy to discuss the compatibility of the letter with Bishops’ general responsibilities to report cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Mr Loughton said there were no such plans but he that he was sure the Catholic Chuch was in no doubt over its obligations.

“There are no plans for such discussions. I understand that the letter referred to emphasises the importance of bishops following national requirements for reporting such abuse to the designated authority,” he said.

“I have no reason to believe that the Roman Catholic Church is in any doubt about the fact that all cases of suspected child abuse should be reported to local children’s social care services or the police,” he added.