The Government has threatened to send in the bailiffs after only two of
18 religious orders responsible for horrific child abuse moved to breach
a compensation shortfall of up to 375 million euro.
Despite the
Catholic Church agreeing to cover half the 1.36 billion euro bill for
clerical child abuse claims, the congregations have refused to budge.
In
the clearest signal yet that the Government is determined to force
payment, Education Minister Ruairi Quinn is to pressure the orders to
sign up to laws allowing the state to seize assets.
The minister
said he was disappointed at offers made since the 2009 Ryan report
revealed the shocking extent of decades-long sexual, physical and
psychological abuse of the most vulnerable in institutions.
"The
congregations' total offers fall well short, by several hundred million,
of the 680 million euro contribution they should bear towards the cost
of institutional residential child abuse," he said.
"In April, I
called on the orders to consider handing over appropriate school
infrastructure as a way to make progress towards the 50:50 target
contribution. I reiterate that call now."
The Department of
Education said the 18 orders of priests and nuns offered 128 million
euro in cash, property and counselling services as part of a
controversial indemnity deal dating back to 2002.
This was
increased in 2009 to 348.5 million euro after the Ryan report called for
the 50:50 split between state and church - a cash pot of more than 100
million euro which was boosted by property which the orders valued at
235.5 million euro.
Mr Quinn has warned the congregations that the
state has use for only a quarter of the total properties offered - 12
sites, which the Government now values at just 60 million euro.
The lack
of offers from the congregations, combined with a the property crash,
has created a massive shortfall in the compensation fund, running to
375.5 million euro.
"Of the properties offered to the state, only
12 have been identified as of potential immediate benefit to the state
and these will be pursued," said Mr Quinn.