Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I asked the Taoiseach whether it was his position that the contributions to be made by the religious institutions would be agreed and neither be voluntary or discretionary, and that the victims and their representatives would be involved in the discussions.

The Taoiseach is aware that the Charities Act 2009 has been passed by the Oireachtas. Section 53 of that Act gives the power to direct in writing a charitable organisation to provide the authority with such information as it may reasonably require to enable it to perform its functions. It is important that in formulating the extent of the contributions to be made that the Government and therefore the public are aware of the extent to which each institution can actually contribute. Obviously, some will have more resources than others. Is it the Taoiseach's intention to seek a full audit either under the Charities Act or by some independent means, or does he propose to ensure that he is getting the full picture in respect of the agreed contributions to be arrived at?

Deputy Shatter has referred on numerous occasions to the contributions to be made by the religious institutions. Is it intended to use some element of that money to provide resources to deal with the inadequacies of the systems that operate at present? I know the Taoiseach has appointed the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, to formulate a plan by the end of July. There is, however, no priority within that plan. I do not understand why the Minister of State, who has not overly distinguished himself in his duties to date as regards Vietnam and so on, cannot debate the issues when the Dáil resumes in two weeks time and outline for the House the timescale and priorities he is according both for the victims and the current inadequacies. Will the Taoiseach also indicate how long he envisages it will take to implement those recommendations? Is it his intention to use some of the contributions from the religious institutions to provide funding in respect of areas in the system where inadequacies exist?

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