The Rape Crisis Network gave what it said was “a cautious welcome” to the commitments made by the religious orders to reexamining their contribution to the State's compensation scheme for victims of abuse in institutions.
Director Fiona Neary said the commitments made today to an independent audit and to making further substantial contributions were very welcome.
“We hope this indicates a recognition by the religious orders that they have not made a meaningful contribution.”
“The defensive and aggressive denial of wrong-doing by some orders included a determination to protect assets at all costs. The original 2002 deal was part of the strategy by some religious to deny, defend and minimise all abuse and responsibility wherever possible. At that time, the state failed victims of abuse by agreeing to such a deal.”
She said the organisation remained cautious until there were “clear outcomes” from the commitments.
“Too often, we have seen some of these same religious orders resort to a heavy handed legalistic approach – we need to see what will actually be delivered before we are convinced.”