Child abuse groups say Cowen meeting was positive

Representatives of institutional child abuse victims have described a meeting with the Taoiseach yesterday evening as "very positive".

Brian Cowen met a number of organisations to discuss how the Government should respond to the recent Ryan Report, which revealed widespread abuse in religious-run institutions across the country.

Victim support groups have reacted to the findings by calling for statutory child protection guidelines and the naming of a date for a referendum on children's rights.

Mr Cowen is due to hold talks today with the religious congregations that oversaw the institutions.

He is expected to push them to contribute significantly more towards compensating the victims.

Under a deal reached with the Government in 2002, the orders were indemnified against compensation claims in return for handing over €128m in cash and property, but this will only cover around 10% of the estimated redress costs.