Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding survivors of industrial schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17925/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I am aware of the views expressed in the correspondence supplied.

The cost of the response to residential institutional abuse was estimated to exceed €1.36 billion and it is likely that this estimate will be exceeded as the actual expenditure on the Redress Scheme and associated litigation was almost at the projected final provision of €1.1 billion at end 2011.

The Government believes that this cost should be shared on a 50:50 basis, between the State and the congregations who were responsible for the management of institutions. The contribution of the 18 congregations under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement amounted to €128 million. As the Deputy will be aware the congregations were called upon to make further substantial contributions following the publication of the Ryan Report. In 2009, they offered some €110 million in cash and offered to transfer property, mainly in the health and education sectors, that they valued at €235.5 million, to various State agencies and voluntary organisations. If all of these properties were acceptable to the State and their values confirmed, the congregations' offers would fall short of the €680m contribution required to realise a 50:50 share by at least €200m. Of the properties offered to the State, 12 have been identified as of potential immediate benefit and the transfer of these properties is being pursued. The value of these 12 properties, based on the congregations' own valuations is approximately €60m.

Following consideration of the issues involved by the Government I met with representatives of the 18 congregations who were party to the 2002 Indemnity Agreement either on 22 July 2011 or on dates since then. At those meetings I expressed my disappointment that their offers fell well short of the contribution required. I am continuing to pursue the 50:50 division with the management bodies involved and have proposed the transfer of school infrastructure to the State for the benefit of the taxpayer as one mechanism to allow those involved the opportunity to shoulder their share of the costs.

The Deputy will be aware the Government is proceeding with the legislation to establish a Statutory Fund to support the needs of survivors which will be financed from the cash contributions offered, of up to €110m and I am pleased to note that the Bill was published yesterday.