Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 243: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied with the level of cooperation from the religious orders in relation to their contribution to the payment of compensation for victims of institutional abuse; the amount that has been paid thus far; if he remains committed to attaining a 50:50 split in the cost of compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21516/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The cost of the response to residential institutional abuse is now estimated to exceed €1.36 billion. The Government believes that this cost should be shared on a 50:50 basis, between the State and those who were responsible for the management of institutions. The contribution of the 18 congregations under the 2002 Indemnity Agreement amounted to €128 million. They have since committed to contribute some €110 million to the proposed Statutory Fund for former residents, of which €21.05m has already been received. They have also offered properties they valued at a further €235.5m to different State bodies and voluntary organisations. 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.

This House will be aware of my disappointment at the congregations' offers which fall well short of realising a 50:50 sharing of the costs of the response to residential institutional abuse. 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.