Order denies withholding €20m from abuse victims’ fund

A KEY religious congregation contributing to the special fund for victims of institutional abuse has rejected suggestions that millions of euro in compensation was being withheld.

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate confirmed it has €20 million in a special account waiting to transfer to a victims’ trust as soon as the Government could take it. But so far the state has failed to set up this trust, despite promising it after the publication of the Ryan Report almost two years ago.

The contribution would double the amount already signed over to an account set up in advance of the proposed €110m statutory trust for former residents of institutions run by religious orders.