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.