THE GOVERNMENT is seeking a further €200 million from 18 religious congregations in addition to what they offered late last year as a contribution to redress for former residents of institutions run by the congregations.
It also plans to set up a statutory fund of €110 million for former residents of the institutions.
It is understood that the total offered by the congregations was €348.51 million and is in addition to their €128 million contribution under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement.
A statement from the Government information service last night said “the final cost of the response to residential institutional abuse is estimated to reach €1.36 billion.” In that context “the collective contribution of the congregations would be €476.51 million, leaving a target of more than €200 million to reach the 50 per cent share of some €680 million.”
This was discussed at a threehour meeting in Government Buildings yesterday between representatives of the congregations concerned, Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, the Minster for Justice Dermot Ahern, Minister for Health Mary Harney, and the Minister for Children Barry Andrews.
Speaking after they emerged from the talks Br Kevin Mullan of the Christian Brothers said the meeting had been “useful, productive”. The Taoiseach was “going to engage individually” with the congregations, he said.
Sr Cóirle McCarthy of the Sisters of Mercy said the talks “went very well from my point of view. We had a constructive meeting, a good meeting with the Taoiseach.”
Their meeting was followed immediately by four hours of further talks involving the Government, abuse victims and their representative. They concluded at 9.30 last night.