The legacy of Religion Inc

WITH an asset base worth €2.6 billion, 17 religious orders have been asked by the state to find up to €350 million in cash or property as an additional contribution to the redress deal.

This €2.6bn figure does not include many sites already placed in trust or the assets offered, and accepted by the state, as part of the 2001 indemnity deal.

The overall figure also does not reflect buildings held under a number of different companies established by the orders, such as the firms the Sisters of Charity set up to manage St Vincent’s Hospital (Dublin), St Patrick’s Hospital (Cork) and Our Lady’s Hospice.