Archbishop backs call for independent trust fund for survivors

THE Archbishop of Dublin has backed calls for religious orders to create a trust fund with its own autonomy for the survivors of institutional abuse and said his own diocese might contribute funding.

Dr Diarmuid Martin was responding to concerns voiced by survivors’ groups that congregations involved in the running of institutions want control over additional funds made available to abuse victims and over how the money is used.

He said an independent trust fund, financed by the orders but not administered by them, should be considered. “I said that they [orders] should come forward with creative suggestions. A trust fund, which would have its own autonomy and would address the questions in an impartial way, is one possibility.”