Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

There are two aspects to this. One is that we have to await the outcome of decision on the appeal. The second aspect is that a definitive contract and deal was done between the church and State. As far as I am concerned, legally, that is the binding agreement that has been made. From reading the newspapers, I understand that is an indication from the church that it would not be prepared to revisit this issue. I have no detailed knowledge of the background to the agreement; I am dealing with its actuality and am quite satisfied the church is complying very much with that it and that great progress has been made.

There has been a transfer of property to the value of €66 million, a cash contribution of €52 million instead of €41.14 million and counselling as part of the service to the value of €10,000 has been provided. The church has met by and large with all the requirements.

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