Woods can’t discuss abuse deal

FORMER Education Minister Michael Woods will not have to explain to the Dáil education committee how the religious institutions were let off the hook on compensation for abuse victims.

The minister played a key role in cutting the deal and indemnifying the Church against compensation claims for victims of residential institutions abuse.

Education committee chairman Deputy Tony Killeen said yesterday that decisions made by the Minister’s are covered by Cabinet confidentiality. The committee also does not have the ability to compel witnesses to come before it.