Analysis: Agreement on redress for victims of abuse in Irish institutions has come after 14 months of protracted negotiations, writes Patsy McGarry, Religious Affairs Correspondent
The negotiations between the Government and the Conference of Religious of Ireland were originally expected to conclude three months after they began in November 2000. That they have taken 11 months more than expected is an indication of the level of difficulty encountered by both sides.
It is known for instance that some officials on the Government side, which at various stages included civil servants from the Departments of Education; Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and the Department of Finance, were not happy with what the religious were offering.
For their part the orders were deeply concerned at the proposed low threshold in the validation process where allegations were made. They felt the good name of innocent people could be damaged.
And there was the problem of leaks which bedevilled the negotiations until recent months.
Even still there is not complete unanimity where the final outcome is concerned. Some officials, particularly in the Department of Finance, it is said, remain dissatisfied with the amount being contributed by the orders while other negotiators on the Government side have described it as "magnanimous".
For her part Sister Elizabeth Maxwell, secretary general of the Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI), has described it as "a significant contribution".
An indication of that significance can be gauged from figures which suggest the total to be paid out in compensation to victims could range between €250 million and €500 million. However, it is just not possible to give a nearly accurate figure and won't be until three years after the enactment of legislation currently before the Dáil. By statute, then, the numbers of victims will be clear and the amount in awards given. Some say the final amount might not even reach the €250 million figure.
Regarding the €80 million property transfer to State and voluntary bodies the religious orders are to make in total, just €30 million is outstanding.
Examples of transfers already made include three acres at Merrion in Dublin, valued at €8.89 million and which the Sisters of Charity have donated to the local authority for social housing. The Religious Sisters of Charity have donated St Anne's School at Milltown in Dublin to the Vincent de Paul for housing. It was valued at €2.67 million. Seven acres at Tuam, Co Galway, valued at €3.43 million, were also given to the local authority there for social housing,
The Sisters of Mercy have donated their convent at Cork Street in Dublin for social housing, at a value of €7.62 million while the Rosminian Order has donated Ferry House at Clonmel, Co Tipperary to the State at a value of €4.44 million.
In Blackrock, Co Dublin, the Daughters of Charity have donated property at Temple Hill to the local authority for Traveller accommodation. It is valued at €3.05 million. In Dublin's Dolphin's Barn the Christian Brothers have donated a youth centre to the State while in north Co Dublin they have donated a drug detox centre. The orders have also donated lands to schools in Wexford, Meath, Monaghan, and Dublin.
It is understood that the remaining properties, to the value of €30 million, has already been earmarked for transfer but these will not be announced until staff and/or residents have been informed and their welfare seen to.
Of the €10 million in counselling, record retrieval and pastoral services for people in need, which the orders have agreed they will contribute, approximately €5 to €6 million has been paid already.
Over €1 million has been spent on the Faoiseamh Helpline, a counselling service for victims set up and funded by CORI. The remainder of the monies already contributed have been spent on health care for victims, some weddings, and holidays for some, etc.
Last night, Sister Maxwell said the religious orders had gone as far as they could in what they were contributing.