The Christian Brothers have paid its outstanding debt of €6.8million to a redress organisation, it has been confirmed.
The Department of Education revealed today the Congregation of Christian Brothers fulfilled its voluntary pledge to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund.
It was set up in 2002 to compensate people who were abused as children in industrial schools, reformatories and other institutions between the mid-1930s to 1970.
The institutions were run by religious congregations but the Department of Education had legal responsibility for the children and set rules which the institutions were, in theory, obliged to operate under.
Today it emerged the religious organisation’s contribution was completed through a series of monthly cash transfers between September and December this year.
Since September a total of €6.8million has been paid by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, bringing to €8.8million the amount contributed this year and €30million contributed since 2013.
Caranua, a State body, was set up to deal with a €110million redress scheme to help improve victims’ lives through housing, health and education for people who suffered abuse as children. The independent body was set up to help people who, as children, experienced abuse in residential institutions.
Education Minister Joe McHugh, said: “These payments ensure that Caranua has access to the full €110million in cash contributions which were committed to.
“Most importantly, the financial contributions will allow Caranua to continue its supports for survivors.”
