Orders have 'moral responsibility' over abuse costs [IrishTimes]
- Published: 23 July 2011
THE GOVERNMENT is “fully satisfied that it is entirely right and proper” that religious congregations pay half the costs of compensation to those abused in residential institutions for children.
Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn yesterday met 14 of 18 religious congregations who managed the reformatories, industrial schools and orphanages and who were investigated by the Ryan commission. “Putting it bluntly, I believe that there is a moral responsibility on your congregations to significantly augment your contributions,” he said.
To date, costs incurred by the State as a result of the abuse of children in the institutions are estimated at €1.36 billion. The Government is seeking a contribution of €680 million (50 per cent) towards this from the congregations. They have offered €374.5 million. Mr Quinn suggested in recent months that they make up the shortfall by signing over property to the State.
“Quite simply, this issue will not go away,” he told them yesterday in a statement to the meeting. “I believe the public supports the 50-50 approach and will not see the issue closed until that is delivered . . . I urge you therefore to reflect on these points and to revert to me at the earliest opportunity with your response. Less there be any ambiguity, I am calling on you to significantly increase the cash offers that you have already made.”
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