Govt to put pressure on orders for more money

The Government is set to hold talks with various religious orders in an effort to get to pay more to deal with the fallout from widespread child abuse in state-owned institutions.

Speaking after a special cabinet meeting last night to discuss the Child Abuse Commission report, Taoiseach Brian Cowen called on the orders to make "a further substantial voluntary contribution".

Under a deal reached in 2002, the Government allowed the orders whose members physically, sexually and emotionally abused thousands of children to pay just €128m in exchange for indemnity from damages claims.

This is only 10% of €1.3bn redress bill for the victims.

Mr Cowen said last night that last week's report highlighted a much more systemic volume of abuse than was previously known.

However, the Government says it has no legal means to force the religious to increase their contribution.

Yesterday, the Christian Brothers said they would be willing to provide additional resources to help victims.