O’Keefe hoping for compensation developments

Education Minister Batt O’Keefe has said he is hoping for “significant developments” on the issue of compensation for victims of child abuse in industrial schools.

Government ministers are due to discuss the issue at a special Cabinet meeting this evening.

His comments this afternoon come in the wake of yesterday’s refusal by the 18 religious orders investigated by the Ryan report to reopen the terms of the redress scheme for victims, despite mounting pressure for them to do so.

CORI - the group which represents all 138 religious orders in Ireland – has said a more appropriate way of helping the victims should be found.

Minister O'Keeffe said one of the ideas being considered is a trust fund for those who suffered abuse.

“I take heart from the fact that CORI this morning indicated that they felt themselves that they had a responsibility,” the minister said.

“I think the Cabinet should be allowed to meet tonight - we'll have our deliberations and we will issue recommendations as a result of that meeting.

“I'm hoping that there will be more significant developments arising from that Cabinet meeting."