Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will publish the findings of the audit into the assets of the 18 religious teaching orders which was ordered in June 2009 when the Taoiseach and he met representatives of the teaching orders in view of the Ryan report; the way the public will be able to assess whether the revised offer is fair and adequate if the audit is not published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10715/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has been considering the report of the panel appointed to assess the statements of resources submitted by the 18 religious congregations that were party to the 2002 indemnity agreement, together with the offers of contributions from the congregations following the call for them to make further substantial contributions by way of reparation in view of the Ryan report. From the outset, the Government has made clear that these contributions need to be capable of being assessed by the public for their significance by reference to the full resources available to the congregations and in the context of the costs of well in excess of €1 billion incurred by the State. In this context, the panel was appointed to assess the statements of resources submitted by the congregations and report to Government as to the adequacy of these statements as a basis for assessing the congregations' resources. It is expected to publish the panel's report and details of the offers from the congregations before Easter. In advance of publication it is proposed to meet representatives of the former residents and with the congregations.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I welcome the Minister's reply. In the probability that there will be a shortfall between what is offered and what is required from the teaching congregations, will the Minister request, as I have asked him to do previously, in addition to what they will offer which would be below what is required, that the congregations transfer the legal ownership of the schools under their control and ownership to the State, on condition and on the understanding that the existing patronage arrangements would continue until such time as the school itself would opt otherwise?

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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I am very conscious of the recommendations made to me by the Deputy, but unfortunately the issue is still under consideration by the Government. I made it clear previously that we are duty bound to make the congregations aware of the Government's thinking and to communicate our decision to the survivors. We hope to have those meetings shortly. I will take cognisance of the recommendation made by the Deputy.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I thank the Minister for his reply. Will he also take cognisance of the response of Irish citizens in the diocese of Ferns to the request by the diocese to contribute towards the costs incurred by the diocese with regard to child abuse? Will he recognise that, politically, it would be in the interest of all parties concerned, the citizens of this republic and the teaching orders, that a due and generous response be made? Teaching orders will continue to teach and schools will remain as they are. The decision to change patronage will rest with the existing patrons, not anybody else. However, the public will see that a generous response has been made in order to meet at least half the cost of the €1.3 billion that taxpayers have paid out in compensation to victims.

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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At the start of this process it was the view of all Members that the public should be the final arbiter with regard to the offers the congregations would make. In that regard, the Government will, having taken a decision and discussed it with both parties, allow the public to be the arbiter. It would be inappropriate for the Government to interfere with regard to making recommendations as to what should happen in Ferns or to interfere in church matters in general. Therefore, I will refrain from making any such comment. I am conscious the public will decide the adequacy or otherwise of the offer that has been made by the congregations.