Child abuse inquiry may cost €200m

THE State inquiry into child abuse may cost a staggering €200 million and take up to 11 years to complete its work — if it continues to operate under its current remit.

A review of the Laffoy Commission’s remit, commissioned by the Education Minister Noel Dempsey, raised serious concerns that such delays in completing its work would prejudice the commission’s inquiries, facilitate legal challenges being launched and possibly prevent complaints being investigated.

It also pointed out the bulk of the costs would be paid in respect of people against whom complaints would be made.