Order settles over US, Canada abuse cases

The Christian Brothers has been urged to mediate settlements with survivors of historic sexual abuse instead of fighting cases in the courts following a landmark deal in North America.

The call comes after details emerged of a $16.5m (€12.7m) settlement involving the Christian Brothers in the US and Canada and more than 400 adults who were sexually abused as children by members of the religious order.

The victims claimed abuse at schools and childcare facilities run by the Christian Brothers and the Christian Brothers of Ireland, Inc, in 17 US states and Canada from the late 1940s or early 1950s until the 1980s.