Government knew abuse deal would hit taxpayer

FORMER Education Minister Michael Woods was repeatedly warned by Government officials that the Church-State deal for abuse victims would leave taxpayers footing an enormous bill.

Documents obtained by the Irish Examiner reveal there were strong protests by the Department of Finance over the terms of the deal, which it described as unfair to the State.

Records also show the Government abandoned its original demand for a 50-50 deal between the Church and State in the face of opposition from religious congregations.