Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Oblate Fathers have posted a contribution of €20 million online. The problem appears to be that, while they have assets of €81.9 million and liabilities and commitments of €61.8 million, they are anxious that an independent trust be set up. It seems this is being delayed for some inexplicable reason. The residential institutions statutory funding is on the legislative agenda. However, the heads have yet to be approved by Government and it is not expected to be published until 2011 at the earliest.

I met the Oblate Fathers recently and they are very anxious that this trust should be established. Pending the trust being set up, and I know this is a complex initiative, could there be an internal arrangement whereby their contribution, which is now posted, could be used? In summary, they would like to see the independent trust set up. It is on the agenda, but the Bill will not be published before 2011. What can be done in the meantime?

See this speech in context