Minister to meet Christian Brothers order on sex abuse costs

Education Minister Richard Bruton’s officials will meet the Christian Brothers order next week to discuss a disputed land deal to help meet their liability for child abuse redress costs.

The Department of Education has declined the order’s previous offer of a shared ownership of playing fields. However, department secretary general Seán Ó Foghlú told the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that, since last discussing the issue with TDs in April, an amended offer has been received.

The matter arose after he provided an update on the status of 18 properties offered to the department in 2009, only five of which have so far been completely transferred to State ownership. Of €110m also offered eight years ago by a number of orders, the majority of which has been received. The outstanding €10m is due to be received next year from the Daughters of Charity and the Christian Brothers.