Lenihan pays tribute to Christian Brothers' contribution

Junior Minister Brian Lenihan has paid tribute to the contribution the Christian Brothers have made to Irish education.

Mr Lenihan was responding to the news that the order is to withdraw from direct involvement in its 138 primary and secondary schools across the country.

He said the Irish people should not forget the good work they put into education, while also confronting the reality of the abuse that took place in some schools.

"The Brothers did fantastic work in education," Mr Lenihan said. "Many, many people who would never had had educational opportunities got those opportunities because of the Christian Brothers.

"On the other hand, of course, there were abuses and we have to confront that reality in our past as well."