16/07/2013

Religious Order Refuse To Contribute To Magdalene Compensation Fund

The four congregations that ran the Magdalene laundries will not make any contribution to the remuneration fund established for victims.

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has been informed by the four religious orders – the Mercy Sisters, the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, the Sisters of Charity and the Good Shepherd Sisters – that they will not pay anything into the compensation fund.

They have, however, said that they will undertake the other recommendations of the report, which include compiling records and continuing to look after former residents still in their care.

Mr Shatter is reported to be "disappointed" by the decision of the religious orders.

The compensation scheme was announced last month following the publication of a report by Mr Justice Quirke, who examined various options for compensation.

A minimum and maximum payment for each former resident was established, and the compensation fund was projected to cost between €34m and €58m.

At the time, Mr Shatter made it clear that taxpayers should not have to carry the compensation burden alone and the four orders would be expected to contribute.

No word was given on what the expected contribution would be.

(MH/JP)

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