Established in December 2005, this committee advises and assists Bishop Jones with the fulfilment of the following responsibilities:

1. Ensuring that the diocese implements the guidelines contained in the Department of Health and Children’s publication Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (1999) and Safeguarding Children – Standards and Guidance Document for the Catholic Church in Ireland published by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in 2008
2. Ensuring that information about child protection is readily accessible in parishes and Church organisations
3. Ensuring that referrals are made promptly to the Designated Person / Director of Child Protection following complaints of child abuse
4. Ensuring that appropriate pastoral care is provided to complainants and their families, to accused persons and their families and colleagues, and to parishes
5. Ensuring the planning and delivery of training in child protection for all Church personnel in the diocese
6. Publishing an annual report detailing the work undertaken in the diocese vis-à-vis promoting, encouraging and ensuring best practice
7. Liaising with the structures and personnel the Irish Bishops’ are currently putting in place by way of advancing and ensuring best practice.

This committee has no responsibility for the management of cases, allegations or concerns. Bishop Jones is advised in this area by the Elphin Diocese’s Advisory Case Management Committee, i.e. in so far as protocols agreed with the H.S.E., legal and ethical considerations permit.

The current membership of the Advisory Child Protection Committee is as follows:

• Paddy Hennelly (Rosses Point) (Chairperson)
• Fr. Joe Fitzgerald (Castlerea)
• Bill Fox (St. Mary's)
• Oliver McDonagh (Rosses Point)
• Pauline Scott (P.R.O.) (Kilbegnet)
• Dearbhla Gill (Secretary) (Rosses Point)
• Frank McGuinness (Director of Safeguarding Children)