Bill No 3 makes provision for the funding of Child Protection Officers
Lady Sheil proposed Bill No 3 which deals with the financing of two Child Protection Officers, to be appointed under section 17(c) of Chapter X of the Constitution. It is envisaged that the Officers, employed for an initial period of 5 years, will advise and assist the Church of Ireland in responding to concerns about the welfare of children, and ensure that Safeguarding Trust: The Church of Ireland Code of Good Practice for Ministry with Childrenis implemented in all parishes. Funding for these posts will be shared between the central church and the dioceses.
Canon John McCullagh (Dublin) welcomed the employment of such officers, adding that the Boards of Education in both Northern Ireland and the Republic would greatly appreciate the support of qualified experts in this area.
The Bill was approved in principle and leave was given for a third reading of the Bill on the last day of Synod, Thursday 11