Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he is taking to address the continuing refusal of the religious congregations to meet their share of the costs of the compensation bill for victims of institutional residential abuse; and if he will provide an update on the establishment of the fund. [43090/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I, like other members of this House, believe that there is a strong moral obligation for Congregations to share 50% of the costs of the response to residential institutional child abuse. To facilitate a contribution by the Congregations concerned, I have proposed the transfer of school infrastructure to the State at no cost to the Exchequer. I am continuing to engage with the Congregations to seek a greater contribution from them and I will be reporting to my Cabinet colleagues on the position shortly.

I have sought expressions of interest in positions on the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund's Board and I expect to be in a position to appoint a Board in the near future. My Department is currently making arrangements for the Fund's establishment, which will be financed by the €110m cash contributions offered by the congregations. €22m has been received and a further €44m is expected on the Fund's establishment. I am pursuing the early realisation of the remaining cash offers.