The Franciscan Friars in Ireland (OFM) have apologised to abuse victims, as a new report is published.

The Safeguarding of Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) report - spanning a 45 year period from 1953 to 1998 - shows three friars were convicted by the courts, and also highlights failure on the part of the Franciscan Order to deal adequately with the complaints.

The OFM say they welcome audit of their safeguarding policy, which took place in October last year.

"We regret that there were significant missed opportunities, as highlighted in the report, in terms of protecting other children from abusive behaviour," the OFM said in a statement.

Hugh McKenna, the OFM's minister provincial, added: "I apologise unreservedly to each and every survivor for the pain and harm inflicted on those who suffered abuse while under our care."

"I apologise for the breach of trust, and the suffering victims and their families endured. I also know that no apology can ever be sufficient, and acknowledge with deep shame and sadness that the Franciscan Order failed you," he added.

However the report notes that there was a change in safeguarding practice from 2009 onwards.

The order say they have put in place enhanced safeguarding structures, and ensure that current and future practice meets the expected standards.

The NBSCCCI says seven religious orders still have considerable work to do in the area.

Their inspections show poor record management in many cases, making assessments difficult.

They show opportunities to safeguard children were missed, and known abusers were allowed to remain in ministry in the 1990s.

It is highlighting room for improvement in management plans for accused members of orders, although they have improved significantly.

Those seven are among nine orders who are the subject of large-scale inspection reports published today.

Smaller reports have also been published in relation to seven other orders.