David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are now at a point where we are dependent on voluntary contributions from the congregations because the only legal responsibilities in relation to the amount agreed to are part of the indemnity agreement. Following the Ryan report, there was obviously outrage in this regard and the religious congregations stated they would make a contribution of €353 million. That was then reduced because there were issues with some school playing fields and associated lands belonging to the Christian Brothers. Therefore, the contribution was reduced to €226 million, of which we have received only €85 million, or 38%. What legal options or avenues are open to the State to get the full amount offered?