Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I outlined in the statement I made on the Government's behalf yesterday, additional voluntary contributions must be made by the congregations. I also indicated that, quite apart from the moral responsibility the congregations have to the victims in light of the conclusions in the Ryan report - which outlines, in graphic detail, the systemic abuse that took place in the relevant institutions during the period investigated by the commission - the court of public opinion should be very persuasive in this regard. I further indicated that I wish to meet representatives of the congregations to discuss this matter and identify a way in which further contributions might be made in a way that would engender public confidence. People must be able to see that what might be offered will be additional, substantive and, in some respects, commensurate to the resources available to the congregations.

The process of engagement will begin when I meet the representatives of the congregations, which, I hope, will indicate their general disposition in the coming days. During the past 24 hours, two or three congregations began the process of indicating their views in that regard.

With regard to the level of further contributions that will be provided, the Government statement outlines the possibility of establishing a trust into which the congregations might deposit such contributions. I am of the view that such a trust could be used for educational and welfare purposes as well for as providing further assistance and support to the victims. I am also of the view that the best way to proceed is for the Government to provide services in this regard. The congregations may have an opinion regarding the services they currently provide and how these might be augmented. I would prepared to listen to what they have to say in respect of this matter without prejudging the position.

The Deputy's third question related to identifying the resources that are available. As already stated, I am of the view that the process of engagement must be such that it would be clear to the public that an additional substantial contribution is being made. In the first instance, I would place the onus on the congregations to outline what they propose to do and the rationale relating thereto. I will then discuss further with them whether this meets our expectations. I am prepared to discuss all of these issues and to ensure that the public will be confident that any further contributions will be seen as being substantially additional to that which has already been made.

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