Child Safeguarding Statement

An Tairseach is a Company Limited by Guarantee, held in trust by the Dominican Sisters and governed by a Board of Directors. It consists of a Centre for Ecology and Spirituality and a 70-acre Organic Farm which includes a Farm Shop. Its purpose is to promote, through education and practice, a sustainable way of working with the land, respecting the whole community of life and taking responsibility for our human, often destructive practices, that are damaging to our planet. Furthermore, the Ecology Centre, while concentrating, in its educational offerings, on exploring spirituality in the context of an evolving universe, an endangered earth and the Christian tradition, also serves the local community by offering a variety of courses and making its facilities available for services directed to the benefit of the community.

While not being a constituent member of the Catholic Church, An Tairseach, because of its close association with the Dominican Sisters, nevertheless subscribes to the policies and procedure for Child Safeguarding as laid down by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland. We recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children and vulnerable adults, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise that each child is a gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.

Risk Assessment:

Because of potential danger from livestock or farm machinery, children are not allowed on the farm or in the farmyard without express permission from a member of staff and then only if supervised by a parent, guardian, teacher or youth leader.

An Tairseach Personnel:

All An Tairseach personnel, including staff and volunteers, have a responsibility to safeguard children through promoting their best interests, health and development in a safe and caring environment that supports their best interests and prevents abuse.

• All staff members and volunteers receive training in Child Protection Policies and Procedures as approved by the Board of Directors and are required to sign up to the same.
• In relation to the selection and recruitment of staff, An Tairseach adheres to the statutory vetting of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016.
• In relation to any member of staff who is the subject of any investigation (however so described) in respect of any act, omission, or circumstance respect of a child attending An Tairseach, the Company adheres to the relevant
procedures set out in the Safeguarding Children Policy and Standards for the Catholic Church in Ireland 2016.

Users of An Tairseach Property:

Individuals and organisations who are authorised to sue our property, are required to sign up to the document Safeguarding Conditions of use of An Tairseach Property as published on our website. This requires them to:

• Provide written assurance to An Tairseach management that they have their own Child Safeguarding policy and procedures that meet all the statutory requirements.
• Organised any activities involving children or vulnerable adults in such a way that they comply will all applicable child safeguarding and protection legislation and guidelines.
If anyone has a child protection concern or wishes to report an allegations of child abuse, please contact:

The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is: Paula Johnston 0404 61833.

The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP) is: Kathe Lapsey Joyce 0404 61914.

Last Update: June 2025