Religious orders say they will not renegotiate compensation terms

The 18 religious congregations involved in the report of the Commission on Child Abuse have insisted they will not reopen the terms of the agreement on compensation for child abuse victims.

Their statement this afternoon comes in spite of calls to do so from the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady.

Meanwhile, an assistant Garda commissioner has been appointed to examine the findings of the Ryan Report.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said gardaí would investigate if any criminal charges can be brought on foot of the report:

“The Garda Commissioner has designated Assistant Commissioner Derek Byrne to go through the report and to see if there's anything further from a criminal justice point of view that can be done against some of these perpetrators,” the minister said.

“Obviously at the end of the day, they have to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and they have to convince the DPP in that respect.”