Nuns with €233m property ‘can’t afford’ €3m abuse fund

A religious order which amassed a €233m property portfolio has said it cannot afford to release €3m it promised to put into a trust fund for the victims of institutional child abuse.

The Religious Sisters of Charity blamed the decision to reduce its cash offer by 60% on the poor property market.

The setback comes as Ruairi Quinn, the education minister, is struggling to get 18 orders to bridge a €400m shortfall in the redress bill.