Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2024
161. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education her plans for the 61 properties handed over to the State from religious orders; how these will be used to benefit and support survivors of industrial schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27739/24]
View answerContributions from the 18 religious congregations have been made under two distinct rounds – the legally binding 2002 Indemnity Agreement, and the 2009 Voluntary Offers.
Under the 2002 Agreement, the transfers of 58 of the 60 properties are now complete. These properties were transferred to a range of recipients, including the Department of Education, the HSE, local authorities and community and voluntary organisations. The two remaining transfers, one to the Department and the other to the HSE, are progressing, and the properties are in use by the intended State recipient.
Under the 2009 Voluntary Offers, 17 of the 18 properties offered by the congregations and accepted for transfer to the State have now fully transferred. These properties were transferred to the Department of Education, the HSE and local authorities. The transfer of the one remaining property, which is to the HSE, is progressing.
The transfer of these properties forms part of the overall contribution of the congregations towards the cost of the State’s response to the issue of historical abuse in residential institutions. This response has, to date, involved expenditure of approximately €1.5bn, including direct redress payments and other supports for survivors amounting to approximately €1.1bn.
