THE showdown between Taoiseach Brian Cowen and the 18 religious orders which signed the controversial 2002 child abuse indemnity deal is to take place next Thursday — a day after he meets survivors’ groups to hear their demands for an appropriate response from both Church and state.

A FORMER Fianna Fáil mayor who was sexually abused in an industrial school has called on the religious orders to actively seek out other victims who have not yet come forward for help.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern’s apology, on behalf of the State, to people abused as children in institutions “was a momentous step - something unbelievable for all of us,” former Artane Boys’ School inmate Mick Waters told the Child Abuse Commission yesterday.