Concern for the victims was, at all times, a priority in the Government's considerations. Accordingly the redress scheme was set up and is now fully operational. The redress board has received 2,000 applications. To date, it has processed almost 200 cases. The Government continues to believe that it is entirely probable that the final cost of awards will not exceed €508 million that being the amount estimated as the possible cost of the scheme. Following the announcement in October 2000 by Government of the intention to set up a redress scheme, the congregations indicated a willingness to become involved in principle with the Government in the setting up and implementation of the scheme. In this regard, negotiations with the congregations began in November 2000 and continued up to January 2002 at which stage an agreement in principle that the congregations would contribute cash, property and other services to the value of €128 million was reached.