STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP DIARMUID MARTIN

ON THE RESIGNATION OF MARIE COLLINS

FROM THE PONTIFICAL COMMISISION FOR THE PROTECTION OF MINORS

1 March 2017

 Archbishop Diarmuid Martin today paid tribute to the work that has been achieved by Marie Collins.  He said that few people in Ireland have made such a consistent contribution to the change in the Church’s response to child sexual abuse.

Archbishop Martin said: “Despite opposition and resistance, she remained committed and constructive in what were for her good moments and bad moments.  I have learned above all to see in her a person of integrity who is not afraid to chart her own course:  where things were wrong she identified them and named them; when she felt uncomfortable she was never tempted to take the easy path and remain quiet and I am certain that will be her position in the future.

Victims and survivors owe her an enormous debt, but she was never one to seek praise or affirmation for herself.  I am happy to note her commitment to continue her contribution to the Church and I thank her for the contribution she has made to the Archdiocese of Dublin and the support she has given me personally”.