Gozo Bishop Mario Grech said he is not happy that the final report on the alleged cases of child abuse in a foster home has not been completed by the commission set up to investigate the claims.

However, he insisted that he would take the necessary action once he receives it.

The Gozitan Bishop was speaking during a Mass to celebrate the feast of St John Bosco in the chapel of the Don Bosco Oratory in Victoria.

In his homily, Mgr Grech spoke about the cases of alleged physical abuse in the Lourdes Home in Ghajnsielem, Gozo that were reported in the media almost a year ago.

“I will say again what I said three weeks ago during a programme on RTK radio,” said Mgr Grech.

“On the very same day that these accusations were made, I took immediate action and set up a commission made up of Judge Victor Caruana Colombo as chairperson, Ruth Farrugia, Angela Abela and Mgr Fortunato Mizzi. I also requested the commission to prepare a report within two months.”

However, said Mgr Grech, “during these recent months, Judge Caruana Colombo made several requests for an extension and till this day the commission has not yet submitted its final report.”

He pointed out that although he was not happy with the delay, and he had told the commission so in writing, he has faith in its members and is convinced that it is not a whim.

“However, the fact that the deadline is extended by a period of two months is a clear indication that both the commission and myself want to close the matter as urgently as possible,” he said.

Mgr Grech added that he will not interfere in the commission’s work but will take the necessary action once he receives the final report.

“In the meantime I visited the children at the home and it seems that they are not at any risk and look happy and loved,” said Mgr Grech.

Several social workers visited the home since the allegations were made and did not find anything amiss, he added.