Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the meeting with the religious congregation on 24 June to review progress on this matter, they indicated they were well advanced in the preparation of statements of their financial affairs. These will be signed off on by their financial advisers and submitted over the coming weeks. The Government decided these statements will be assessed by a panel of eminent persons to give an assurance that they represent a fair account of resources available, from which a significant additional contribution can be made. A further meeting will take place in mid-July, by which time we have further idea of how much progress is being made. They are working assiduously and recognise that it is a matter that must be addressed as quickly as possible and as comprehensively as necessary. We will then appoint a panel to interact with them to ensure that everything is as it should be.

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