Christian Brothers pledge €161m for abuse victims

The Christian Brothers has pledged €161m in cash and land to make amends to victims of clerical child abuse, it was revealed today.

Six months after the shocking Ryan Report, the religious congregation has promised €30m to a Government trust plus €4m for counselling services.

School playing fields worth €127m will be transferred to the State and the Edmund Rice Schools Trust – a lay body which took control of the Brothers’ schools last year.

In a statement, the Christian Brothers said it hoped the package would help support former residents of church-run institutions.

“The range of incremental measures outlined above follow the Christian Brothers’ acceptance, shame and sorrow at the findings of the Ryan Report,” it said.

“We understand and regret that nothing we say or do can turn back the clock for those affected by abuse.

“Our fervent hope is that the initiatives now proposed will assist in the provision of support services to former residents of the institutions as well as the facilities, resources and scope to protect, cherish and educate present and future generations of children.”