Part of 3. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:30 pm on 29 November 2017.
Thank you, again, for those additional comments and queries. And you're right in that there is a separate review within the Catholic Church itself of its safeguarding arrangements. We also note that the independent inquiry into child sex abuse is considering issues of failures of religious institutions, as part of the UK-wide inquiry. I can confirm that my officials have been in touch with the inquiry about the reported abuse, and we will of course not only keep a close eye on the way that that inquiry proceeds, but also seek to learn lessons from the inquiry's wider findings into religious bodies, into the investigations of religious institutions.
I will certainly consider the points that have been raised about writing further to others, but it is worth pointing out, even at this stage, whilst not saying anything in terms of the current police investigations that are proceeding—and I have to make sure that we do not jeopardise those live investigations—my officials will, under my instruction, request that both CYSUR and the mid and west safeguarding board keep me and the Welsh Government fully updated on progress so far with the investigation, but also on whether there are any current shortfalls in arrangements, and keep me up to date with that. I will certainly also write to the National Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service to seek their assurances, both on historic matters, and on current issues as well. I will go back and speak to my officials on whether there are additional reassurances that we can give, in light of the points that the Member has raised.